该死
gāisǐ
The English phrase "damn it" is translated into Chinese as 该死 (gāisǐ).
该死 is used as an expression of surprise, outrage or frustration.
Meaning: an expression of surprise, outrage, or frustration (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 该 (should) and 死 (die), which literally means "should die".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
该死 is an informal way to express frustration, anger or annoyance. For much more vulgar and informal ways to say "damn it", some speakers use 妈的 or 操.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 的 to the phrase turns it into an adjective used to describe a noun, such as "the damn weather" (e.g., 该死的 weather).
How do you pronounce it?
gāisǐ
Did you know?
- In some contexts, calling someone 该死 can be used flirtatiously or playfully, similar to how an English speaker might call a mischievous person 'a brat'.
- The word 死 (die) is used in many common Chinese idioms and descriptors to mean 'extremely' or 'to the limit', such as 死心 meaning 'to give up hope'.
- The more vulgar version 妈的 is actually an abbreviation of a much longer, highly offensive phrase involving one's mother, making it much more socially risky than 'damn it'.
Examples in context
- 他竟然拿走我的钱包！真妈的无耻！He actually took my wallet! Damn shameless!
- 该死，我忘了带钥匙。Gāisǐ, wǒ wàngle dài yàoshi.Damn it, I forgot to bring my keys.
- 该死，电脑死机了。Gāisǐ, diànnǎo sǐjī le.Damn it, the computer froze.
Example conversation
Yuting and Haoran are looking for a lost ticket.
- 雨婷 Yuting该死，票不见了！gāisǐ, piào bùjiàn le!Damn it, the ticket is gone!
- 浩然 Haoran你快再找一遍。nǐ kuài zài zhǎo yībiàn.Hurry up and look for it again.
- 雨婷 Yuting我真的找不到了。wǒ zhēnde zhǎo bùdào le.I really can't find it.
- 浩然 Haoran别担心，我们去问问工作人员。bié dānxīn, wǒmen qù wènwen gōngzuò rényuán.Don't worry, let's go ask the staff.
