3

What is a proper way to write knock-knock (the sound of knocking in the door) in Chinese?

1 Answer 1

2

Here're some of them, listed from light sound to heavy:

笃笃
咚咚
嘭嘭/砰砰
咣咣 (usually used with 砸门)
4
  • A knock from police inspection : 查水表
    – mootmoot
    Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 9:47
  • @mootmoot Why police check it? Not a staff of water supply company?
    – user4072
    Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 10:08
  • It is an Internet pun, where in China, authority try to gain access to private property without force entry.
    – mootmoot
    Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 12:35
  • @mootmoot not exactly. when you say something or do something to criticize the government or reveal a truth that the government doesn't want the public to know, the "big brother" will be annoyed and the police will come arrest you. " Checking the water meter " would be an excuse of the police when they ask you to open the door. Of course, it's just an internet slang used in an ironic/ funny way. In real life in China, a non-public critique won't lead to a concern of the government.
    – Huang
    Commented Nov 17, 2016 at 23:30

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.