丑陋
chǒulòu
The English word 'hideous' is translated into Chinese as 丑陋 (chǒulòu).
丑陋 is used to describe something that is not just unattractive, but aesthetically repulsive or morally base. When you want to specify that someone or something is extremely ugly in appearance, you can use the phrase 丑陋的.
Meaning: extremely ugly (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 丑 is the common word for 'ugly', 丑陋 is more formal and carries a stronger, more intense connotation of being 'hideous'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the word 醜 can be used to convey hideous.
How do you pronounce it?
chǒulòu
Did you know?
- In some folk beliefs, describing a newborn baby as 丑陋 was once thought to ward off evil spirits who might be attracted to a beautiful child.
- In Chinese astrology, the character 丑 is also the name of the second terrestrial branch, representing the 'Ox'. This creates a linguistic coincidence where a word for 'hideous' is also a vital component of the traditional zodiac system.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 'ugly' is often linked to the 'ugly-cute' aesthetic called 丑萌. This describes things that are so 'hideous' they become endearing, a popular trend in modern merchandise and memes.
Examples in context
- 那个电影里的怪兽简直是骇人的！The monster in that movie is simply hideous!
- 他的行为非常丑陋。His behavior was very hideous.
- 那只怪兽的样子真丑陋。Nà zhī guàishòu de yàngzi zhēn chǒulòu.That monster's appearance is truly hideous.
- 我不喜欢这件丑陋的衣服。Wǒ bù xǐhuān zhè jiàn chǒulòu de yīfu.I don't like this hideous piece of clothing.
- 他画了一幅丑陋的画。Tā huìle yī fú chǒulòu de huà.He painted a hideous picture.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a strange piece of art.
- 浩然 Haoran梓涵，你觉得这个雕塑怎么样？Zǐhán, nǐ juéde zhège diāosù zěnmeyàng?Zihan, what do you think of this sculpture?
- 梓涵 Zihan我觉得它简直太丑陋了。Wǒ juéde tā jiǎnzhí tài chǒulòu le.I think it is simply hideous.
- 浩然 Haoran我也这么觉得，真奇怪。Wǒ yě zhème juéde, zhēn qíguài.I think so too, it's really strange.
- 梓涵 Zihan我们快走吧，浩然。Wǒmen kuài zǒu ba, Hàorán.Let's leave quickly, Haoran.
