刻薄
kèbó
The English word 'mean' can be translated into Chinese in several ways depending on the context, with the default form being 刻薄 (kèbó).
When you want to describe the actual meaning or significance of something, the formal term 意味着 is used to translate 'to mean'. To refer specifically to the meaning of a word or phrase, use the term 含义. If 'mean' is used to describe someone with a ferocious or aggressive nature, the term 凶恶 is appropriate.
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 刻薄 describes a person's harsh temperament, 卑鄙的 is used to describe someone who is low-minded or acting without consideration for others.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kèbó
Did you know?
- The character 刻 in 刻薄 is also used in the word for 'minute' in time. This stems from the ancient practice of using incense sticks with carved notches to track time.
- In Chinese, the word for 'mean' as in a person's harsh temperament, 刻薄, literally translates to 'carving' and 'thin'.
- The word 凶恶 for a 'mean' or 'fierce' person is often used in literature to describe the expressions of villains or monsters, rather than just a grumpy person.
Examples in context
- 这句话意味着你不同意我的观点。This sentence means you disagree with my point of view.
- 那只凶恶的狗吓坏了小孩。That mean dog frightened the child.
- 她对待别人总是很刻薄。She is always mean to others.
- 她的话听起来尖酸刻薄。Her words sound mean and sarcastic.
- 他曾经遭受过虐待。He had suffered from abuse.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about a comment made earlier.
- 浩然 Haoran你刚才的话太刻薄了。Nǐ gāngcái de huà tài kèbó le.What you just said was too mean.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我只是在说实话。Wǒ zhǐshì zài shuō shíhuà.I was just telling the truth.
- 浩然 Haoran但你不需要那么刻薄。Dàn nǐ bù xūyào nàme kèbó.But you don't need to be that mean.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen对不起，浩然，我道歉。Duìbùqǐ, Hàorán, wǒ dàoqiàn.I'm sorry, Haoran, I apologize.
