‘号啕’ is a reduplicative verb meaning to wail or cry loudly and uncontrollably, typically out of intense grief, pain, or distress. It combines two characters—‘号’ (háo), meaning ‘to shout’ or ‘to cry out’, and ‘啕’ (táo), which by itself has no independent meaning but reinforces the sense of loud, sobbing vocalization. Together, they form an inseparable compound that emphasizes volume, emotionality, and loss of composure.

This word is strongly emotive and often appears in literary, dramatic, or descriptive contexts—not casual speech. It frequently describes crying that involves deep sobs, tears, and physical shaking, sometimes associated with mourning, sudden tragedy, or overwhelming sorrow. Unlike milder terms like ‘哭’ (kū, ‘to cry’) or ‘流泪’ (liúlèi, ‘to shed tears’), ‘号啕’ conveys raw, unrestrained expression of anguish and is rarely used humorously or lightly.