hiss

/hɪs/ (bre, ipa) · /hɪs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhis/ (ame, mw)

hiss — verb

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

1. to produce a soft, continuous sound like the letter 's', such as the noise a sna

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to produce a soft, continuous sound like the letter 's', such as the noise a snake makes or air escaping from a small opening.

例句

The steam pipe hissed loudly, so the building manager called a repair team.

often used for mechanical devices and escaping steam

A black cat hissed at Diego when he stepped too close to the fence.

hiss + at + [animal/person] — threat sound

同義詞
  • sizzle

    describes food frying or liquid on a hot surface — a sharper, more sputtering sound

  • fizz

    describes carbonated drinks or bubbles — shorter and more bubbly than a hiss

  • buzz

    a lower-pitched, vibrating continuous sound made by insects or machinery

文法句型

hiss (intransitive)

hiss + adverb (e.g. loudly, softly)

用法筆記

Subject is commonly an animal like a snake or cat, or a mechanical object such as a radiator, steam pipe, or tire. The sound is typically continuous rather than a single brief burst.

常見錯誤

❌The snake hissed angrily at the mouse.
✅The snake hissed at the mouse.
💡Adding 'angrily' is usually redundant, because hissing from a snake already conveys threat or fear.

2. to speak words in a low, angry tone, often through partly closed teeth so the wo

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to speak words in a low, angry tone, often through partly closed teeth so the words come out with a breathy 'sss' quality because the speaker does not want to be overheard or is struggling to control their temper.

例句

"Get out of my way," Nadia hissed at the slow-moving tourist in the narrow aisle.

hiss + quoted speech + at + [person]

Keiko hissed a warning to her brother just as the teacher walked past their desk.

同義詞
  • whisper

    neutral — can be kind or calm, unlike 'hiss' which carries anger

  • snap

    shorter, sharper, spoken in irritation but not necessarily in a low voice

  • mutter

    spoken quietly in dissatisfaction, but often to oneself rather than directed at someone

反義詞
  • declare

    to say something in a firm, open, and clear way — the opposite of whispering angrily

文法句型

hiss + "direct speech"

hiss + that-clause

hiss + at + [person]

hiss + a warning / an insult

用法筆記

Frequently used for reporting angry speech that is forced through partly closed teeth — the hissing quality comes from the speaker's anger and effort to stay quiet, not from the vocal cords producing an 's' sound. Distinguish from sense 1 (SNAKE OR STEAM), where the hiss is a noise without words.

常見錯誤

❌She hissed to me that she was tired.
✅She hissed at me that she was tired.' or ✅ 'She whispered to me that she was tired.
💡'Hiss at' is the correct pattern for speaking angrily; 'whisper to' is neutral.

3. to make a long 'sss' sound as part of a group, especially in a theater, stadium,

3.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to make a long 'sss' sound as part of a group, especially in a theater, stadium, or other public venue, to show that you or others do not like a performer, speaker, or decision.

例句

The audience hissed when the politician walked onto the stage after the scandal.

intransitive use — collective audience reaction

A few fans in the crowd hissed the referee after the controversial penalty decision.

transitive use — hiss + [person being criticized]

同義詞
  • boo

    a louder, deeper sound of disapproval — more common than hissing in modern audiences

  • jeer

    to shout rude or mocking remarks at someone, not limited to a single sound

  • catcall

    a loud whistle or shout, often of a sexual nature, directed at someone in public

反義詞
  • applaud

    to clap hands together to show approval

  • cheer

    to shout loudly in praise or encouragement

文法句型

hiss (intransitive) — the audience hisses

hiss + [person/performance]

hiss + at + [person]

用法筆記

Usually describes the reaction of a crowd or group rather than one individual acting alone. This is a traditional form of audience disapproval, historically common in theaters and political gatherings. In modern usage, booing is more frequent, but 'hiss' is still used to describe the sound itself.

hiss — noun