蟑螂
zhāngláng
The Chinese word for "roach" is 蟑螂 (zhāngláng).
蟑螂 refers to the common insect with a flat body and long antennae often found in homes.
How do you pronounce it?
zhāngláng
Did you know?
- Some people in China use the term 小强 'Xiao Qiang' as a nickname for the 蟑螂, meaning 'little strong one'.
- In some Chinese-speaking households, people might use euphemisms to name the insect to avoid 'inviting' the pest into the home by speaking its name aloud.
- The term 蟑螂 is often used in modern Chinese slang to describe someone who is persistent and impossible to get rid of, regardless of the situation.
Examples in context
- 那是一只大蟑螂。Nà shì yī zhǐ dà zhāngláng.That is a big roach.
- 厨房里有一只蟑螂。Chúfáng lǐ yǒu yī zhǐ zhāngláng.There is a roach in the kitchen.
Example conversation
In a kitchen, Wei discovers a bug.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，快看，那里有一只蟑螂！Jiāyí, kuài kàn, nàlǐ yǒu yī zhǐ zhāngláng!Jiayi, look quickly, there is a roach there!
- 佳怡 Jiayi啊！太可怕了！A! Tài kěpà le!Ah! That's terrifying!
- 伟 Wei别担心，我会处理它。Bié dānxīn, wǒ huì chǔlǐ tā.Don't worry, I will deal with it.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，伟。Xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Thank you, Wei.
