罵 / 骂
mà
To say scold in Chinese, use 罵 / 骂 (mà). If unsure, use 罵 / 骂. Wiktionary also lists 叱 (chì) and 訓斥 / 训斥 (xùnchì).
Meaning: rebuke (verb)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 罵 / 骂 | mà |
| 叱 | chì |
| 訓斥 / 训斥 | xùnchì |
| 責罵 / 责骂 | zémà |
骂 is a straightforward way of scolding someone, often with harsh or vulgar language. It is also very often used to mean to swear at someone.
Which one should you use?
訓斥 / 训斥 (xùnchì) is a harsher, more serious reprimand or lecture, often in an official or educational setting. 責罵 / 责骂 (zémà) is a formal way to describe rebuking someone, common in writing. 责备 means reproaching someone sternly but in a disciplined way. 批评 mainly means to criticize but can carry an admonishing sense. 臭骂 means scolding with highly offensive language. 叱 (chì) is literary and describes a sharp, sudden rebuke or a shouted command.
How do you pronounce it?
In pinyin it is mà, a single syllable with the falling fourth tone.
Did you know?
- The character 罵 contains the radical for 'mouth' and the character for 'horse' 馬, which originally provided the sound for the word.
- The term 臭罵 (chòumà) literally translates to 'stinking scold', using the word for 'smelly' to emphasize the severity and offensiveness of the reprimand.
- The act of 罵 is sometimes culturally viewed as a form of 發泄 ('venting') to release negative energy rather than as a simple attack.
Examples in context
- 他被父亲训斥了一顿He was scolded by his father.
- 上司批评了他的工作表现The boss scolded him for his performance at work.
- 她骂了他一顿She scolded him severely.
- 他被朋友训了一顿He was scolded by his friends.
- 他用臭骂的方式来回应He responded with cursing.
- 我的母亲责备我没有好好打扫房间。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。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。She scolded him severely, but later apologized to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scold” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 叱, 罵, CC BY-SA 4.0.
