When it comes to expressing the act of scolding in Chinese, there are various words and phrases that can convey this meaning. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “scold” in Chinese, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Scold” in Chinese
If you want to express the act of scolding someone in a more formal manner, you can use the following phrases:
- 责备 (zé bèi): This term refers to reprimanding or reproaching someone in a stern, but disciplined manner. It is often used in professional or educational contexts. For example, “老师责备了他的迟到” (lǎo shī zé bèi le tā de chí dào) means “The teacher scolded him for being late.”
- 训斥 (xùn chì): This word signifies a harsher form of scolding, often accompanied by verbal reprimands or even reproofs. It can be used in various settings, including interpersonal and professional contexts. For instance, “他被父亲训斥了一顿” (tā bèi fù qīn xùn chì le yī dùn) means “He was scolded by his father.”
- 批评 (pī píng): Although it mainly means “criticize” or “criticism,” it can also convey the idea of scolding, particularly in an admonishing manner. It is broadly applicable and can be used in formal and informal situations. An example sentence is “上司批评了他的工作表现” (shàng sī pī píng le tā de gōng zuò biǎo xiàn), which means “The boss scolded him for his performance at work.”
Informal Ways to Say “Scold” in Chinese
If you want to express scolding in a more casual or conversational tone, consider using these informal expressions:
- 骂 (mà): This term reflects a straightforward way of scolding someone, often involving harsh or vulgar language. It is commonly used among friends or family members. For example, “她骂了他一顿” (tā mà le tā yī dùn) means “She scolded him severely.”
- 训 (xùn): This word is a shorter and less severe version of 训斥 (xùn chì), mentioned earlier. It is frequently used in daily conversations among friends or in a family setting. For instance, “他被朋友训了一顿” (tā bèi péng you xùn le yī dùn) means “He was scolded by his friends.”
- 臭骂 (chòu mà): This phrase literally translates to “stinky scold,” and it implies scolding someone using highly offensive or foul language. It is typically used to emphasize the intensity of the scolding and is mostly heard in informal settings. An example sentence is “他用臭骂的方式来回应” (tā yòng chòu mà de fāng shì lái huí yìng) which means “He responded with cursing.”
Regional Variations
Though Mandarin Chinese is the official language in China, there are regional variations that come into play when talking about scolding. These variations often differ in vocabulary and accent. However, the aforementioned phrases are widely understood throughout the Chinese-speaking world.
Examples
Now, let’s take a look at some examples to help you understand how to use these phrases in context:
我的母亲责备我没有好好打扫房间。
(Wǒ de mǔ qīn zé bèi wǒ méi yǒu hǎo hǎo dǎ sǎo fáng jiān.)
My mother scolded me for not cleaning the room properly.
老板训斥下属的态度让工作氛围变得紧张。
(Lǎo bǎn xùn chì xià shǔ de tài du ràng gōng zuò fēn wéi biàn dé jǐn zhāng.)
The boss’s scolding of his subordinates made the work atmosphere tense.
她骂了他一顿，但她后来向他道歉了。
(Tā mà le tā yī dùn, dàn tā hòu lái xiàng tā dào qiàn le.)
She scolded him severely, but later apologized to him.
Remember, when using these phrases, it’s important to consider the relationship with the person you are scolding and the severity of the situation. Always exercise appropriate judgment and be mindful of cultural nuances.
Now armed with these phrases, you can confidently express the act of scolding in Chinese, whether it be in a formal or informal setting. Remember that practice makes perfect, and fluency in any language comes with time and dedication. Good luck!
