<p>That looks like onomatopoeia (象声词) so it means exactly what it sounds like: jiyi. In this case though, the 咿 (yi) and the dash (—) are meant to extend the "i" sound, so it's just "jiiiii--" altogether.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.zdic.net/z/17/js/5630.htm">嘰/叽</a> is usually used for small birds chirping, as in the second definition:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>　2. 象聲詞：小鳥～～叫。</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you look at this list of <a href="http://xh.5156edu.com/page/z2155m1104j18596.html">Chinese onomatopoeia</a>, you may notice that a lot of the characters have the mouth radical (口). When you see a single character or multiple characters all with that radical, especially in a manga, it's very likely that it's an onomatopoeia.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-11T00:58:45.410Z
+1. And I think the case `嘰咿` here describes the sound of rubbing -- like opening a wooden door, some drawer that is not easy to slide, etc.
Stan
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-10T23:28:24.077Z
2013-11-10T23:28:24.077Z
congusbongus
<p>I'm reading a Chinese manga translation and have come across this note above a panel: 嘰咿—</p>

<p>I'm not sure what it could mean or say in English. Can anyone help me? Thanks!</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-11T01:32:32.093Z
If you can provide a scan or a photo of the panel(s) that would be even better
congusbongus
<translation><meaning>
What does 嘰咿— mean?
# What does 嘰咿— mean?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-11-10)

I'm reading a Chinese manga translation and have come across this note above a panel: 嘰咿—

I'm not sure what it could mean or say in English. Can anyone help me? Thanks!

**Tags:** translation, meaning

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: If you can provide a scan or a photo of the panel(s) that would be even better  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-11-10. Score: 8

That looks like onomatopoeia (象声词) so it means exactly what it sounds like: jiyi. In this case though, the 咿 (yi) and the dash (—) are meant to extend the "i" sound, so it's just "jiiiii--" altogether.

[嘰/叽](http://www.zdic.net/z/17/js/5630.htm) is usually used for small birds chirping, as in the second definition:

> 　2. 象聲詞：小鳥～～叫。

If you look at this list of [Chinese onomatopoeia](http://xh.5156edu.com/page/z2155m1104j18596.html), you may notice that a lot of the characters have the mouth radical (口). When you see a single character or multiple characters all with that radical, especially in a manga, it's very likely that it's an onomatopoeia.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: +1. And I think the case `嘰咿` here describes the sound of rubbing -- like opening a wooden door, some drawer that is not easy to slide, etc.  

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