hiss

IPA/hɪs/
KK[hˈɪs]IPA/hɪs/

hiss — verb

  • hisspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • hisseshe / she / it
  • hissedpast simple
  • hissing-ing form

1. to produce a long 's'-shaped sound, like the noise a snake makes, steam escaping

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to produce a long 's'-shaped sound, like the noise a snake makes, steam escaping from a narrow opening, or a crowd of people showing that they strongly dislike a performer or speaker

例句

The old steam radiator hissed all night, keeping Salma awake.

intransitive: natural subject (radiator) producing the sound

The audience hissed when the speaker made rude jokes about the city.

hiss as disapproval: crowd reaction

同義詞
  • sizzle

    a spitting, crackling sound of food cooking in hot oil; more irregular and energetic than a hiss

  • fizz

    a bubbly sound like a carbonated drink opening; involves small popping bubbles rather than a steady tone

  • whistle

    a higher-pitched musical sound made by forcing air through a small opening

反義詞
  • silence

    the complete absence of sound

文法句型

hiss (intransitive)

hiss + at + object

hiss + noun (direct object)

用法筆記

Often intransitive, but can also be transitive (e.g., 'The crowd hissed the performer off the stage'). The preposition 'at' introduces the target of the sound.

常見錯誤

❌The snake hushed at the hiker.
✅The snake hissed at the hiker.
💡'Hush' means to become quiet, while 'hiss' is the sharp 's' sound a snake makes.
❌The boiling water hissed loudly.
✅The boiling water bubbled and steamed.
💡Boiling water bubbles and produces steam; 'hiss' is more typical of steam escaping under pressure.

2. to express anger, a warning, or an urgent instruction by speaking in a low, forc

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to express anger, a warning, or an urgent instruction by speaking in a low, forceful voice that has a breathy quality, usually because you do not want other people to hear clearly

例句

'Get out of my room,' Jack hissed at his younger sister.

direct speech + hiss + at + person: reporting angry words

Adisa hissed a warning to his friend as the guard walked past the gate.

hiss + object (what is said): transitive pattern

同義詞
  • whisper

    to speak very softly without emotional colour; neutral where hiss is angry

  • snarl

    to speak angrily in a low rough voice; more aggressive and guttural than hiss

  • mutter

    to say something quietly, often complainingly, but not necessarily with anger

反義詞
  • shout

    to speak very loudly, the opposite of speaking in a hushed voice

文法句型

hiss + words/sentence

hiss + at + person

hiss + direct speech

用法筆記

Unlike 'whisper,' which is emotionally neutral, this sense always carries anger, irritation, or urgency. The subject must be a person. Common with imperative commands or warnings.

常見錯誤

❌She hissed the secret to her friend.
✅She whispered the secret to her friend.
💡'Hiss' implies anger, not secrecy. Use 'whisper' for neutral quiet speech.

hiss — noun