‘叫卖’ is a verb meaning ‘to hawk (goods)’ — that is, to loudly and publicly call out the names, prices, or qualities of items for sale, often in streets, markets, or door-to-door. The first character 叫 means ‘to shout’ or ‘to call’, emphasizing vocal projection; the second character 卖 means ‘to sell’. Together, they form a compound verb highlighting the performative, auditory aspect of traditional street vending — not just selling, but selling *with voice*.

This word evokes vivid scenes of old-fashioned urban or rural commerce: peddlers carrying baskets or carts, shouting rhythmic chants to attract customers. It carries mild connotations of informality, hustle, and sometimes nostalgia — modern supermarkets rarely ‘叫卖’, but street vendors, fruit sellers, or repairmen still do. While neutral in tone, it’s more commonly used in descriptive or literary contexts than in formal business language.