哭
kū · HSK 2
cry
😭 哭 = two 口 (mouths) wailing over 犬 (dog) — crying out loud
The character stacks two 口 mouths above 犬 (dog), evoking loud wailing. Modern meaning is to cry or weep aloud; the 'greet' gloss is archaic. Pinyin kū sounds like English 'coo' but with an open wail.
哭 — two mouths 吅 + dog 犬
哭 is an associative compound. The two 口 (mouths) on top suggest crying out or wailing, while 犬 (dog) below evokes a howling animal. Together the image is of loud, mournful crying — the character has meant 'to weep' since ancient times.