to wake up

JLPT N5 16 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (xǐng)

The character primarily means "to wake up" from sleep or unconsciousness. It is commonly used to describe the moment when someone stops sleeping or regains consciousness.

Common contexts

  • Literal waking up from sleep: (I woke up).
  • Regaining alertness or clarity, often after being drowsy or intoxicated.
  • Can be used metaphorically to mean becoming aware or enlightened.

Collocations and patterns

  • (xǐng lái): to wake up (from sleep)
  • (xǐng jiǔ): to sober up (literally "wake up from alcohol")
  • (xǐng wù): to realize, to become aware

Notes

When using , it often appears with (lai) to emphasize the action of waking up. It is different from 起床 (qǐ chuáng), which means "to get out of bed". focuses on the transition from sleep to wakefulness, not the physical act of leaving the bed.

Avoid confusing with (shuì), which means "to sleep." is the opposite action.

Register

This word is neutral and commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin.

Example Sentences

I wake up at six every morning.

He woke up quickly after drinking coffee.

She woke up from a nightmare, her heart beating fast.