Learning how to express different emotions and qualities in a foreign language is always a valuable skill. In this guide, we will explore how to say “bad” in Chinese, covering both formal and informal ways. While regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on the standard Chinese language, Mandarin. So, let’s dive in and discover how to express “bad” in Chinese in various contexts and situations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Bad” in Chinese
When it comes to expressing something negative formally or in a polite context, the word “bad” can be translated as “不好” (bù hǎo) in Mandarin. While “不好” is a general phrase that translates to “not good,” it effectively conveys the meaning of “bad” in most situations. Here are some examples:
Example 1:
English: This situation is bad.
Chinese: 这种情况不好。(Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng bù hǎo.)
Example 2:
English: The weather is bad today.
Chinese: 今天的天气不好。(Jīntiān de tiānqì bù hǎo.)
Informal Ways to Say “Bad” in Chinese
In informal or colloquial contexts, Chinese offers a variety of expressions for “bad” that can be used among friends or in casual conversations. Let’s look at some commonly used informal phrases to express “bad”:
1. 坏 (Huài)
The term “坏” (huài) is a versatile word in Chinese that can mean “bad,” “broken,” or “spoiled,” depending on the context in which it is used. Here are a few examples:
Example 3:
English: My phone is broken.
Chinese: 我的手机坏了。(Wǒ de shǒujī huài le.)
Example 4:
English: The milk has gone bad.
Chinese: 牛奶坏了。(Niúnǎi huài le.)
2. 糟糕 (Zāogāo)
Another common informal phrase for “bad” in Chinese is “糟糕” (zāogāo), which expresses a negative situation or an exclamation of disappointment. It can also be used to describe something as “terrible” or “awful.” Take a look at these examples:
Example 5:
English: Oh no, I forgot my keys at home!
Chinese: 糟糕，我把钥匙忘在家里了！(Zāogāo, wǒ bǎ yàoshi wàng zài jiālǐ le!)
Example 6:
English: The traffic today is terrible.
Chinese: 今天的交通糟糕。(Jīntiān de jiāotōng zāogāo.)
Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with various regional dialects. While standard Mandarin is widely understood and used across China, some regional variations exist when it comes to saying “bad.” Here, we will briefly touch upon two notable variations:
3. Cantonese (廣東話, Guǎngdōnghuà)
In Cantonese, the main regional language of Hong Kong and certain parts of southern China, the term for “bad” is “壞” (waai6). However, since this guide primarily focuses on standard Mandarin, we’ll primarily provide examples in Mandarin.
4. Taiwanese Hokkien (台語, Tâi-gí)
In Taiwanese Hokkien, spoken mainly in Taiwan and by overseas Taiwanese communities, the word “bad” is expressed as “差” (chhà). However, since this guide mainly focuses on Mandarin, we won’t delve deeper into Taiwanese Hokkien variations.
Now that we have covered the formal and informal ways to say “bad” in Chinese, you can confidently express negative situations or describe something as “bad” in various contexts. Remember, it’s essential to consider the appropriateness and formality of these expressions based on the social setting and relationship with the person you’re communicating with. Practice using these phrases in conversations or with language partners to improve your Chinese skills and build your vocabulary. Happy learning!
