笨蛋
bèn dàn
The phrase 'stupid man' in Chinese is translated as 笨蛋 (bèn dàn).
笨蛋 is a term used to describe a person who lacks intelligence or has done something foolish.
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally translates to 'stupid egg'.
Which one should you use?
The term 傻瓜 can also be used to mean 'fool' or 'dummy'.
How do you pronounce it?
bèn dàn
Did you know?
- In some Chinese dialects, the concept of being 'stupid' is linguistically linked to being 'honest', meaning that a person who is 笨 might be trusted more than someone who is clever.
- Unlike 笨蛋, the alternative 傻瓜 is often used in literature and poetry to describe a 'pure' or 'innocent' person who is fooled by the world.
- While 笨蛋 translates to 'stupid egg', the word 蛋 (egg) is used in many Chinese insults and nicknames to categorize a person's character or behavior.
Examples in context
- 他是个笨蛋。He is a stupid man.
- 这个人真是个傻子！This person is really stupid!
- 他真是个傻瓜。He is such a stupid man.
- 别理那个白痴。Don't pay attention to that stupid man.
- 他真是个笨蛋。Tā zhēn shi ge bèndàn.He is really a stupid man.
- 那个笨蛋把钥匙丢了。Nàge bèndàn bǎ yàoshi diū le.That stupid man lost the keys.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang forgot his keys inside the house.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你怎么把钥匙锁在里面了？Nǐ zěnme bǎ yàoshi suǒ zài lǐmiàn le?How did you lock the keys inside?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我不小心给忘了。Wǒ bù xiǎoxīn gěi wàng le.I accidentally forgot them.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你这个笨蛋！Zhìqiáng, nǐ zhège bèndàn!Zhiqiang, you dummy!
- 志强 Zhiqiang对不起，我想起来了。Duìbùqǐ, wǒ xiǎng qǐlái le.Sorry, I remember now.
