Gaining knowledge of different words and phrases is crucial in any language learning journey. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express the word “terrible” in Chinese. Whether you are looking for formal or informal expressions, we’ve got you covered. While there might be some regional variations, we will focus on the commonly used terms. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Terrible” in Chinese
When you want to convey a sense of “terrible” in a formal context, there are a few expressions you can use:
- 糟糕 (zāo gāo): This term is commonly used to express “terrible” or “awful.” It can be used in various situations, such as describing a situation, an event, or even a person’s performance. For example, you could say “这个计划真糟糕” (zhè ge jì huà zhēn zāo gāo) to mean “This plan is really terrible.”
- 可怕 (kě pà): This word is often used to describe something that is “frightening” or “terrifying.” It can refer to a horrible experience, a scary movie, or any situation that evokes fear. For example, you could say “那个地方晚上很可怕” (nà ge dì fāng wǎn shàng hěn kě pà) to mean “That place is very terrifying at night.”
- 恶劣 (è liè): This term is more formal and refers to something that is “extremely bad” or “despicable.” It can be used to describe situations or behaviors that are morally wrong or of poor quality. For instance, you could say “公司对待员工的方式很恶劣” (gōng sī duì dài yuán gōng de fāng shì hěn è liè) to mean “The company’s treatment of employees is extremely terrible.”
Informal Ways to Say “Terrible” in Chinese
When talking casually or in informal settings, you may come across alternative terms to express “terrible” in Chinese:
- 糟 (zāo): This term is often used in informal conversation to mean “terrible” or “awful.” It has a more colloquial feel to it and is frequently used to express disappointment or frustration. For example, you could say “这个天气糟透了” (zhè ge tiān qì zāo tòu le) to mean “The weather is terrible.”
- 烂 (làn): In informal contexts, “烂” is commonly used to describe something that is “lousy” or “crappy.” It can refer to a bad movie, a poorly cooked meal, or anything of low quality. For instance, you could say “这个电影真烂” (zhè ge diàn yǐng zhēn làn) to mean “This movie is really terrible.”
- 垃圾 (lā jī): A more direct and informal expression for “terrible” is “垃圾,” which literally means “garbage.” It is often used to describe something of very poor quality or to express disdain. For example, you could say “这个饭店的食物太垃圾了” (zhè ge fàn diàn de shí wù tài lā jī le) to mean “The food at this restaurant is terrible.”
Regional Variations
While Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, various dialects are also spoken across different regions. Here are a few regional variations:
Southern Min (Min Nan) Dialect:
In the Southern Min dialect, which is commonly spoken in Taiwan and parts of Southeast Asia, you can use the term “糟” (tsáu) to mean “terrible” in a formal sense. In informal situations, the term “倒霉” (tau-bué) is often used to express bad luck or misfortune.
Cantonese Dialect:
In Cantonese, a dialect spoken in parts of southern China, including Hong Kong and Guangdong province, the term “差” (caai) can be used in a formal context to mean “terrible.” The informal term “冧” (lam) is commonly used to express something of poor quality or to describe a terrible situation.
Examples to Enhance Your Understanding
Let’s take a look at some examples using the formal and informal ways to say “terrible” in Chinese:
Formal Example:
这张照片拍得很糟糕。
(Zhè zhāng zhào piàn pāi de hěn zāo gāo.)
“This photo was taken terribly.”
Informal Example:
这个游戏太烂了，玩起来一点乐趣都没有。
(Zhè ge yóu xì tài làn le, wán qǐ lái yī diǎn lè qù dōu méi yǒu.)
“This game is so terrible, it’s no fun to play at all.”
Remember that using the right tone and context is essential when expressing “terrible” in Chinese. It is advisable to observe native speakers and practice in different situations to become more proficient.
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “terrible” in Chinese. With this newfound knowledge, you can confidently navigate various formal and informal settings. Keep practicing and exploring the fascinating world of the Chinese language!
