Chinese Mouth Radical

Once I started reading Chinese children books and singing Chinese songs to my daughter I realized the mouth radical 口 appears a lot. It looks like a square.

Here's one example:
嘿(T/S) [hēi] has the 口 radical with the 黑 hēi character. (黑 means black). Putting the two together you get 嘿. The radical gives you a clue of what it sounds like. In this case it is 'hey.'

Here are more examples:

• 哼(T/S) [heng] grunting  example:"哼，好吧" (grunt. Ok fine) 
• 哇 (T/S) [wā]    wow 
• 可 kě, kè chuckling  example:可可可 (*chuckles*)

Back to the beginning. Remember when I said I noticed this radical while reading Chinese books and singing Chinese songs? Don't use these types of vocal expressions in essays. Think about it, you don't want to write to your mom or teacher by writing LOL, ROFL!  Keep in mind who you are writing to. If you are texting your friend that is another matter.