How to Say "Insane" in Chinese

疯狂

fēngkuáng

The Chinese word for insane is 疯狂 (fēngkuáng).

疯狂 can be used to describe both literal mental instability and figurative extreme behavior or intensity.

Meaning: characterized by insanity or the utmost folly (adj)

Which one should you use?

While 疯狂 is an adjective meaning 'insane', the verb phrase 发疯 is used to describe the act of 'going crazy' or 'acting insane'.

To use 疯狂 as an adverb to describe an action, you typically add the particle 地 after it.

fēngkuáng

The character 狂 in 疯狂 originally depicted a dog with its mouth open, symbolizing a wild or uncontrolled state, which evolved into the meaning of 'insane' or 'arrogant'.
To describe someone who is 'completely insane' in a colloquial way, speakers often use 疯得不可收拾, which literally means 'so crazy that it cannot be tidied up'.
In modern internet slang, the phrase 疯了 ('gone crazy') is often used as a humorous way to express that something is an unbelievable bargain or a shocking price drop.

那个人简直疯狂，无法理解他的行为。
That person is totally insane, I can't comprehend his behavior.
他最近事情太多，简直快疯了。
He has been dealing with too many things lately, he's going insane.
这份工作会让人疯掉的，压力太大了！
This job can drive people insane, the pressure is overwhelming!
他听到这个消息后发疯了，完全失去理智。
He went insane after hearing the news, he completely lost his mind.
别理他，他就是个神经病，无法理解他的行为。
Don't mind him, he's just crazy. I can't comprehend his behavior.
他疯狂地跑了起来。
He started running crazily.
他的想法太疯狂了。
Tā de xiǎngfǎ tài fēngkuáng le.
His idea is too insane.
这真是一个疯狂的计划。
Zhè zhēnshì yīgè fēngkuáng de jìhuà.
This is truly an insane plan.
别做那些疯狂的事。
Bié zuò nàxiē fēngkuáng de shì.
Don't do those insane things.

Two friends are discussing a risky business proposal.

梓涵 Zihan

你真的要去创业吗？
Nǐ zhēnde yào qù chuàngyè ma?
Are you really going to start a business?
志强 Zhiqiang

对，这是一个疯狂的尝试。
Duì, zhè shì yīgè fēngkuáng de chángshì.
Yes, it is an insane attempt.
梓涵 Zihan

志强，你太冲动了。
Zhìqiáng, nǐ tài chōngdòng le.
Zhiqiang, you are too impulsive.
志强 Zhiqiang

没关系，我准备好了。
Méiguānxì, wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo le.
It's okay, I am ready.

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