pfeifen
Translation
to whistle, to pipe
Examples
Er pfeift ein Lied.
He is whistling a song.
Der Wind pfeift um das Haus.
The wind is whistling around the house.
Ich pfeife auf seine Meinung.
I don't give a damn about his opinion.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to whistle (sth.) He is whistling a tune.
((auf+4)) to not give a damn about (sth.) (coll.) I pfeife auf your advice.
Similar Words
Synonyms: flöten, trillern; Antonyms: schreien
Etymology
From Old High German 'pfīfan', related to the English word 'pipe'. It has onomatopoeic origins.
Memory Tips
Picture a referee with a 'Pfeife' (whistle) 'pfeifen'-ing (whistling). The 'pf' sound mimics the sound of blowing air.