hissing
das Zischen
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hissing sound
A sharp, sustained sound that resembles a long “s” or “sh” sound. It is produced, for example, by escaping gas or by certain animals.
Das Zischen des Dampfes war deutlich zu hören.
The hissing of the steam could be clearly heard.
hissing
The production of sharp sibilant sounds with which people express their disapproval or dissatisfaction.
Das Publikum reagierte auf die beleidigende Bemerkung mit empörtem Zischen.
The audience responded to the offensive remark with indignant hissing.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Zischens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Zischen | – |
| accusative | das Zischen | – |
| dative | dem Zischen | – |
| genitive | des Zischens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
“Zischen” (hissing) is the nominalized form of the verb “zischen” (to hiss). The noun therefore refers to the action or the sound produced in the process; it is often used with a genitive complement or with “von” (of/from).
Das Zischen des Wasserdampfs kam aus dem alten Heizrohr.
The hissing of the steam came from the old heating pipe.
In the meaning of a sound, “Zischen” (hissing) is especially often associated with steam, gas, air, or snakes. The complement often describes where the sound comes from or what causes it.
Das Zischen der entweichenden Luft wurde immer lauter.
The hissing of the escaping air grew louder and louder.
In the meaning of a human reaction, “Zischen” (hissing) is often associated with an audience or with clear disapproval. Typical collocations include “mit Zischen reagieren” (to react with hissing) and “Buhrufe und Zischen” (booing and hissing) at an event.
Auf die beleidigende Rede folgten Buhrufe und Zischen aus dem Saal.
The offensive speech was followed by booing and hissing from the audience.
