\u89c1\u960e\u738b (ji\u00e0n y\u00e1nw\u00e1n\u0261)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nPay close attention to these three phrases as they may sound impolite and even somewhat offensive in certain cases. Use them with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One such phrase is \u6302\u4e86(gu\u00e0le), which can also indicate someone\u2019s death. Initially, it was used to describe dying in a game. With the increasing popularity of video games, the usage of \u6302\u4e86(gu\u00e0le) has extended to refer to the death of real-life people as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6211\u521a\u8fdb\u53bb\u8fd9\u4e2a\u6e38\u620f\uff0c\u4e09\u5206\u949f\u4e0d\u5230\u5c31\u6302\u4e86<\/strong>\u3002(W\u01d2 \u0261\u0101n\u0261 j\u00ecnq\u00f9 zh\u00e8\u0261e y\u00f3ux\u00ec, s\u0101n f\u0113nzh\u014dn\u0261 b\u00fa d\u00e0o ji\u00f9 \u0261u\u00e0 le<\/strong>.)
I just entered this game, and in less than three minutes, I died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u5feb\u70b9\u513f\uff0c\u7b49\u4f60\u53bb\u6551\u4eba\uff0c\u4eba\u65e9\u5c31\u6302\u4e86<\/strong>\u3002(Ku\u00e0i di\u01cen\u2019r, d\u011bn\u0261 n\u01d0 q\u00f9 ji\u00f9 r\u00e9n, r\u00e9n z\u01ceo ji\u00f9 \u0261u\u00e0 le<\/strong>.)
Hurry up, when you arrived to save them, they had already died.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe vivid expression \u8e6c\u817f\u4e86 (d\u0113ng tu\u01d0 le) is used to describe the act of kicking one’s legs when nearing death. It reflects the body\u2019s natural physical reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, when we wish to convey that someone we have negative feelings towards has passed away, we use the phrase \u89c1\u960e\u738b (ji\u00e0n Y\u00e1n W\u00e1ng), which means “going to see the god of death.” In Chinese mythology, it is believed that the deceased go to the realm of the god of death. Hence, \u89c1\u960e\u738b(ji\u00e0n Y\u00e1n W\u00e1ng) is used to describe the death of someone whom we dislike or hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u4f60\u6765\u665a\u4e86\uff0c\u5979\u5df2\u7ecf\u8e6c\u817f\u4e86<\/strong>\u3002(N\u01d0 l\u00e1iw\u01cen le, t\u0101 y\u01d0j\u012bn\u0261 d\u0113n\u0261 tu\u01d0 le<\/strong>.)
You\u2019re late, she has already passed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u795d\u4f60\u65e9\u65e5\u89c1\u960e\u738b<\/strong>\uff01(Zh\u00f9 n\u01d0 z\u01ceor\u00ec ji\u00e0n y\u00e1nw\u00e1n\u0261<\/strong>!)
Hope you go see the god of death as soon as possible!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u4ed6\u4eec\u53bb\u89c1\u960e\u738b<\/strong>\u4e86\uff01(T\u0101men q\u00f9 ji\u00e0n y\u00e1nw\u00e1n\u0261 <\/strong>le!)
They have gone to see the god of death!<\/p>\n\n\n3. Chinese euphemisms for Suicide (\u81ea\u6740)<\/h2>\n\n\n- \u8f7b\u751f (q\u012bn\u0261 sh\u0113n\u0261)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u81ea\u6211\u4e86\u65ad (z\u00ecw\u01d2 li\u01ceodu\u00e0n)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One euphemism for suicide is \u8f7b\u751f (q\u012bngsh\u0113ng), which literally means “light life.” It is used to indirectly convey that someone doesn’t value their own life and wishes to end it. Another similar expression is \u81ea\u6211\u4e86\u65ad (z\u00ec w\u01d2 li\u01ceo du\u00e0n), which translates to “self-deprecating.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6211\u521a\u770b\u5230\u6709\u4eba\u5728\u697c\u4e0a\u60f3\u8f7b\u751f<\/strong>\u3002(W\u01d2 \u0261\u0101n\u0261 k\u00e0nd\u00e0o y\u01d2u r\u00e9n z\u00e0i l\u00f3ush\u00e0n\u0261 xi\u01cen\u0261 q\u012bn\u0261sh\u0113n\u0261<\/strong>.)
I just saw someone upstairs who wanted to attempt suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u6211\u6ca1\u529e\u6cd5\u4e86\uff0c\u4e0d\u5982\u81ea\u6211\u4e86\u65ad<\/strong>\u7b97\u4e86\u3002(W\u01d2 m\u00e9i b\u00e0nf\u01ce le, b\u00f9r\u00fa z\u00ecw\u01d2 li\u01ceodu\u00e0n<\/strong> su\u00e0n le.)
I have no choice, and I may as well commit suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n4. Chinese euphemisms for Gaining weight (\u957f\u80d6\u4e86)<\/h2>\n\n\n- \u5706\u6da6<\/strong> (yu\u00e1nr\u00f9n)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When referring to someone who has gained weight, we avoid saying “you became fat” directly. Instead, we can use the term \u5706\u6da6(yu\u00e1n r\u00f9n). \u5706\u6da6(yu\u00e1n r\u00f9n) literally means “rounded,” describing the rounder shape of someone’s body without being offensive. It is similar to the term “roly-poly” in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6700\u8fd1\u65e5\u5b50\u8fc7\u5f97\u633a\u597d\u554a\uff0c\u4f60\u770b\u8d77\u6765\u8d8a\u6765\u8d8a\u5706\u6da6<\/strong>\u4e86\u3002(Zu\u00ecj\u00ecn r\u00eczi \u0261u\u00f2de t\u01d0n\u0261 h\u01ceo\u2019 \u0101, n\u01d0 k\u00e0n q\u01d0l\u00e1i yu\u00e8 l\u00e1i yu\u00e8 yu\u00e1nr\u00f9n<\/strong> le.)
You have had a nice life recently, so you look rounder and rounder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u5c11\u5403\u70b9\uff0c\u4f60\u8d8a\u6765\u8d8a\u5706\u6da6<\/strong>\u4e86\u3002(Sh\u01ceo ch\u012b di\u01cen, n\u01d0 yu\u00e8 l\u00e1i yu\u00e8 yu\u00e1nr\u00f9n<\/strong> le.)
Try to eat a little less because you\u2019re becoming rounder and rounder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n- \u53d1\u798f<\/strong> (f\u0101f\u00fa)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Another similar term is \u53d1\u798f (f\u0101 f\u00fa), which means “to get lucky.” In ancient times, when food was scarce, thinness was common among the general population while wealthier individuals appeared plumper. Therefore, people associated a fat appearance with a prosperous life. \u53d1\u798f(f\u0101 f\u00fa) was used to indicate that someone was living a wealthy life. However, in modern times, as people’s values have changed, the positive connotation of \u53d1\u798f(f\u0101 f\u00fa) is gradually fading away, and it is more commonly used to simply mean that someone is fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u4ed6\u8fd9\u51e0\u5e74\u53d1\u798f<\/strong>\u5f97\u5389\u5bb3\uff0c\u5b8c\u5168\u53d8\u6837\u4e86\u3002(T\u0101 zh\u00e8 j\u01d0 ni\u00e1n f\u0101f\u00fa <\/strong>de l\u00ech\u0251i, w\u00e1nqu\u00e1n bi\u00e0n y\u00e0n\u0261 le.)
He has gained a lot of weight in recent years, and he looks completely different now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u51cf\u80a5\u5427\uff0c\u53d1\u798f<\/strong>\u540e\u6709\u70b9\u513f\u96be\u770b\u3002(Ji\u01cen f\u00e9i b\u0251, f\u0101f\u00fa<\/strong> h\u00f2u y\u01d2u di\u01cen\u2019r n\u00e1n k\u00e0n.)
Lose some weight, you don\u2019t look so good after gaining some extra pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n5. Chinese euphemisms for being poor (<\/em>\u6ca1\u94b1)<\/h2>\n\n\nWhen someone is unable to repay others or has borrowed money, they won\u2019t directly say “I don’t have any money” to avoid losing face. Instead, they use more indirect expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \u624b\u5934\u4e0d\u65b9\u4fbf<\/strong> (sh\u01d2ut\u00f3u b\u00f9 f\u0101n\u0261bi\u00e0n)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u624b\u5934\u6709\u70b9\u513f\u7d27<\/strong> (sh\u01d2ut\u00f3u y<\/strong>\u01d2<\/strong>u di<\/strong>\u01ce<\/strong>n\u2019r j\u01d0n) <\/strong> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One common expression is \u624b\u5934\u4e0d\u65b9\u4fbf(sh\u01d2u t\u00f3u b\u00f9 f\u0101ng bi\u00e0n), which translates to “my hands aren’t convenient.” This phrase, derived from the renowned Chinese novel \u201cNie Hai Hua,\u201d serves as a universal way to say “I don’t have any money.” Similarly, \u624b\u5934\u6709\u70b9\u513f\u7d27(sh\u01d2u t\u00f3u y\u01d2u di\u01cen er j\u01d0n), meaning “my hands are a bit tight,” can also be used to express the same meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6700\u8fd1\u624b\u5934\u6709\u70b9\u513f\u7d27<\/strong>\uff0c\u80fd\u5148\u501f\u6211\u70b9\u513f\u94b1\u5417\uff1f(Zu\u00ecj\u00ecn sh\u01d2ut\u00f3u y\u01d2u di\u01cen\u2019r j\u01d0n<\/strong>, n\u00e9n\u0261 xi\u0101n ji\u00e8 w\u01d2 di\u01cen\u2019r qi\u00e1n m\u0251?)
I\u2019m tapped out lately, could you lend me some money?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u5bf9\u4e0d\u8d77\uff0c\u6700\u8fd1\u624b\u5934\u4e0d\u592a\u65b9\u4fbf<\/strong>\uff0c\u80fd\u8fc7\u51e0\u5929\u518d\u8fd8\u94b1\u5417\uff1f(Du\u00ecbuq\u01d0, zu\u00ecj\u00ecn sh\u01d2ut\u00f3u b\u00fa t\u00e0i f\u0101n\u0261bi\u00e0n<\/strong>, n\u00e9n\u0261 \u0261u\u00f2 j\u01d0 ti\u0101n z\u00e0i hu\u00e1n qi\u00e1n m\u0251?)
Sorry, I am a bit short on cash recently, can I pay you back in a few days?<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \u56ca\u4e2d\u7f9e\u6da9<\/strong> (n\u00e1n\u0261 zh\u014dn\u0261 xi\u016bs\u00e8)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Another expression used to convey being short on money is \u56ca\u4e2d\u7f9e\u6da9(n\u00e1ng zh\u014dng xi\u016b s\u00e8). This idiom combines the term \u56ca(n\u00e1ng), which refers to a pocket, with \u7f9e\u6da9(xi\u016b s\u00e8), meaning “embarrassing.” So, \u56ca\u4e2d\u7f9e\u6da9(n\u00e1ng zh\u014dng xi\u016b s\u00e8) literally means “embarrassing in the pocket.” It is commonly used in written Chinese to express a lack of funds, while \u624b\u5934\u6709\u70b9\u513f\u7d27(sh\u01d2u t\u00f3u y\u01d2u di\u01cen er j\u01d0n) and \u624b\u5934\u4e0d\u65b9\u4fbf(sh\u01d2u t\u00f3u b\u00f9 f\u0101ng bi\u00e0n) are more colloquial alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6211\u60f3\u53bb\u53c2\u52a0\u6d3b\u52a8\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u56ca\u4e2d\u7f9e\u6da9<\/strong>\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u4f60\u4eec\u81ea\u5df1\u53bb\u5427\u3002(W\u01d2 xi\u01cen\u0261 q\u00f9 c\u0101nji\u0101 hu\u00f3d\u00f2n\u0261, d\u00e0nsh\u00ec n\u00e1n\u0261 zh\u014dn\u0261 xi\u016bs\u00e8<\/strong>, su\u01d2y\u01d0 n\u01d0men z\u00ecj\u01d0 q\u00f9 b\u0251.)
I want to join the activity, but I\u2019m short on money, so you just go by yourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u4ed6\u60f3\u4e70\u4e00\u5757\u6708\u997c\uff0c\u4f46\u662f\u56ca\u4e2d\u7f9e\u6da9<\/strong>\uff0c\u4e70\u4e0d\u4e86\u3002(T\u0101 xi\u01cen\u0261 m\u01cei y\u00ed ku\u00e0i yu\u00e8b\u01d0n\u0261, d\u00e0nsh\u00ec n\u00e1n\u0261zh\u01d2n\u0261 xi\u016bs\u00e8<\/strong>, m\u01ceibuli\u01ceo.)
He wants to buy a piece of mooncake, but he doesn\u2019t have any money, so he can\u2019t buy it.<\/p>\n\n\n6. Chinese euphemisms for Disabilities (\u8ddb\u5b50) <\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n- \u817f\u811a\u4e0d\u4fbf<\/strong> (tu<\/strong>\u01d0<\/strong> ji\u01ceo b\u00fa bi\u00e0n)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u884c\u52a8\u4e0d\u4fbf<\/strong> (x\u00edn\u0261d\u00f2n\u0261 b\u00fa bi\u00e0n)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Directly calling someone a \u8ddb\u5b50(b\u01d2 zi), or cripple, when they have difficulty walking is considered rude. Instead, people use more indirect or intangible expressions to describe such situations. For example, they may say \u817f\u811a\u4e0d\u4fbf(tu\u01d0 ji\u01ceo b\u00f9 bi\u00e0n) or \u884c\u52a8\u4e0d\u4fbf(x\u00edng d\u00f2ng b\u00f9 bi\u00e0n), which describe the condition of individuals who experience difficulties with their legs or mobility, but in a less offensive manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u4ed6\u56e0\u4e3a\u5c0f\u65f6\u5019\u751f\u75c5\uff0c\u6240\u4ee5\u73b0\u5728\u817f\u811a\u4e0d\u4fbf<\/strong>\u3002(T\u0101 y\u012bnw\u00e8i xi\u01ceo sh\u00edhou sh\u0113n\u0261 b\u00ecn\u0261, su\u01d2y\u01d0 xi\u00e0nz\u00e0i tu\u01d0 ji\u01ceo b\u00fa bi\u00e0n<\/strong>.)
He has trouble walking because he was sick when he was a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u56e0\u4e3a\u5979\u884c\u52a8\u4e0d\u4fbf<\/strong>\uff0c\u5979\u7684\u540c\u5b66\u7ecf\u5e38\u5e2e\u5979\u5e26\u5348\u996d\u3002(Y\u012bnw\u00e8i t\u0101 x\u00edn\u0261d\u00f2n\u0261 b\u00fa bi\u00e0n<\/strong>, t\u0101de t\u00f3n\u0261xu\u00e9 j\u012bn\u0261ch\u00e1n\u0261 b\u0101n\u0261 t\u0101 d\u00e0i w\u01d4f\u00e0n.)
Her classmates often help her bring lunch because she has difficulty moving.<\/p>\n\n\n7. Chinese euphemisms for Sex (\u6027\u7231) <\/h2>\n\n\n
In Chinese culture, sex is not commonly discussed directly as it is considered a private matter. Instead, people prefer to appreciate the romantic aspect of it. As a result, there are some ambiguous terms used to refer to “making love.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \u540c\u623f<\/strong> (t\u00f3n\u0261f\u00e1n\u0261)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u53d1\u751f\u5173\u7cfb<\/strong> (f\u0101sh\u0113n\u0261 \u0261u\u0101nxi)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u4e0a\u5e8a<\/strong> (sh\u00e0n\u0261 chu\u00e1n\u0261)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u7231\u7231<\/strong> (<\/strong>\u00e0<\/strong>i\u00e0i)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
One such term is \u540c\u623f(t\u00f3ng f\u00e1ng), which literally means “in the same room” and is similar to “sleeping together” in English. Another term is \u4e0a\u5e8a(sh\u00e0ng chu\u00e1ng), which literally means “go to bed” and also implies the act of sex. \u53d1\u751f\u5173\u7cfb(f\u0101 sh\u0113ng gu\u0101n x\u00ec) literally means “have relations” and carries the same meaning as in English. Additionally, some people nowadays use the cute and indirect expression \u7231\u7231(\u00e0i \u00e0i), derived from the term “making love” (\u505a\u7231, zu\u00f2 \u00e0i).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u4ed6\u4eec\u65e9\u5c31\u540c\u623f<\/strong>\u4e86\u3002(T\u0101men z\u01ceo ji\u00f9 t\u00f3n\u0261 f\u00e1n\u0261<\/strong> le.)
They have already slept together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u4f60\u662f\u4e0d\u662f\u8ddf\u5979\u4e0a<\/strong>\u8fc7\u5e8a<\/strong>\u4e86\uff1f(N\u01d0 sh\u00ec bu sh\u00ec \u0261\u0113n t\u0101 sh\u00e0n\u0261<\/strong>\u0261uo chu\u00e1n\u0261<\/strong> le?) Have you\nalready slept with her or not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u6211\u4eec\u4e4b\u95f4\u6ca1\u6709\u53d1\u751f<\/strong>\u8fc7\u5173\u7cfb<\/strong>\u3002(W\u01d2men zh\u012bji\u0101n m\u00e9iy\u01d2u f\u0101sh\u0113n\u0261<\/strong>\u0261uo \u0261u\u0101nxi<\/strong>.) We didn\u2019t\nhave sexual relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u7231\u7231<\/strong>\u4e4b\u524d\u4ed6\u4eec\u603b\u662f\u8981\u5148\u5403\u987f\u996d\u3002(\u00c0i\u00e0i<\/strong> zh\u012bqi\u00e1n t\u0101men z\u01d2n\u0261sh\u00ec y\u00e0o xi\u0101n ch\u012b d\u00f9n f\u00e0n.)
Before making love, they always have a meal first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \u9c7c\u6c34\u4e4b\u6b22<\/strong> (y\u00fa shu\u01d0 zh\u012b hu\u0101n)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u4e91\u96e8<\/strong> (y\u00fan y\u01d4)<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In ancient China, people used various metaphors to describe making love. Two common expressions were \u9c7c\u6c34\u4e4b\u6b22(y\u00fa shu\u01d0 zh\u012b hu\u0101n) and \u4e91\u96e8(y\u00fan y\u01d4). \u9c7c\u6c34\u4e4b\u6b22(y\u00fa shu\u01d0 zh\u012b hu\u0101n) originates from the renowned novel “Xi Xiang Ji” and represents the intimate relationship between fish and water. It metaphorically depicts the harmonious and intimate emotions experienced during sexual encounters between men and women. On the other hand, \u4e91\u96e8(y\u00fan y\u01d4) directly translates to “clouds and rain” and is derived from the famous Chinese essay “Gao Tang Fu.” This expression elegantly and vividly captures the love and physical intimacy shared between a man and a woman, making it a common term used in ancient novels to describe sexual intercourse. These metaphors have been passed down through the ages and are still used today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e.g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u6628\u665a\u4ed6\u4eec\u4e00\u756a\u4e91\u96e8<\/strong>\u5230\u534a\u591c\u3002(Zu\u00f3 w\u01cen t\u0101men y\u00ec f\u0101n y\u00fan y\u01d4<\/strong> d\u00e0o b\u00e0n y\u00e8.)
Last night, they engaged in passionate lovemaking until midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u65f6\u95f4\u4e0d\u65e9\u4e86\uff0c\u6211\u4eec\u53bb\u5171\u4eab\u9c7c\u6c34\u4e4b\u6b22<\/strong>\u5427\u3002(Sh\u00edji\u0101n b\u00f9 z\u01ceo le, women q\u00f9 \u0261\u00f2n\u0261xi\u01cen\u0261 y\u00fa shu\u01d0 zh\u012b hu\u0101n<\/strong> b\u0251.)
It’s getting late, let’s go and enjoy the intimacy between us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n- \u5706\u623f<\/strong> (yu\u00e1n f\u00e1n\u0261)<\/strong><\/li>
- \u6d1e\u623f<\/strong>