笨蛋
bèndàn
The Chinese word for bozo is 笨蛋 (bèndàn).
笨蛋 is used to refer to a stupid person or a fool. Depending on the context, it can be used as a lighthearted, playful insult between friends or as a genuine insult directed at someone's intelligence.
Meaning: (slang) a stupid or foolish person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 笨蛋 literally translates to "stupid egg."
Which one should you use?
Other terms exist with different tones: 傻子 (Shǎ Zǐ) is an informal way to call someone a fool or simpleton and 傻逼 (Shǎ Bī) is an informal equivalent for bozo or idiot that is considered vulgar and offensive.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, 笨蛋 is generally used as a count noun and does not change its form for plurality.
How do you pronounce it?
bèndàn
Did you know?
- The word 'egg' (蛋, dàn) appears in many Chinese slang terms for people, such as 坏蛋 (huàidàn), which refers to a 'bad egg' or a rogue. This shows a linguistic pattern of using food items to label personality traits.
- While 笨蛋 is a mild term, adding 大 (big) to create 大笨蛋 doesn't just mean 'very stupid' but can actually make the phrase sound more childish or affectionate.
- The term 傻逼 (shǎbī) is so offensive that it is frequently censored in Chinese digital media and online games. While 笨蛋 is safe for casual conversation, the latter can get a user banned in strict social environments.
Examples in context
- 他真是个笨蛋。Tā zhēnshì ge bèndàn.He is such a bozo.
Example conversation
Zi Han finds out Hao Ran forgot their lunch.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，你忘了带午饭吗？Hàorán, nǐ wàngle dài wǔfàn ma?Hao Ran, did you forget to bring lunch?
- 浩然 Haoran对不起，我真的忘了。Duìbùqǐ, wǒ zhēnde wàngle.I'm sorry, I really forgot.
- 梓涵 Zihan你这个笨蛋，快去买吧。Nǐ zhège bèndàn, kuài qù mǎi ba.You bozo, go buy some quickly.
- 浩然 Haoran我知道了，我现在就去。Wǒ zhīdàole, wǒ xiànzài jiù qù.I got it, I'm going now.
