不给糖就捣蛋
bù gěi táng jiù dǎodàn
In Chinese, trick or treating is expressed as 不给糖就捣蛋 (bù gěi táng jiù dǎodàn).
The phrase is used to describe the Halloween custom where children visit houses to ask for candy. It is an informal way to refer to the activity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'if [you] don't give candy, [I] will play tricks/mischief'. The component 捣蛋 (dǎodàn) means to play tricks, cause trouble or be mischievous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase utilizes the 不…就… (bù…jiù…) grammatical structure, which expresses a conditional consequence: 'if not A, then B'. In this context, it means 'if [you] don't give candy, [then] mischief will ensue'.
How do you pronounce it?
bù gěi táng jiù dǎodàn
Did you know?
- The word 捣蛋 (dǎodàn) literally means 'to poke the egg'. It originally referred to breaking eggs to cause mischief or disruption.
- Halloween is not a traditional holiday in China, so 不给糖就捣蛋 is a modern translation created specifically to describe the Western custom.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, Halloween is treated more as a costume party or a commercial festival rather than a door-to-door activity like in the West.
Examples in context
- 小朋友们穿着万圣节服装敲门，大声喊道：“不给糖就捣蛋！”The children in Halloween costumes knock on the door and shout, "If you don't give candy, mischief will ensue!"
- 孩子们在玩不给糖就捣蛋。Hái zi men zài wán bù gěi táng jiù dǎo dàn.The children are trick or treating.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are preparing for Halloween.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，我们晚上去不给糖就捣蛋吧！Jiāyí, wǒmen wǎnshàng qù bù gěi táng jiù dǎodàn ba!Jiayi, let's go trick or treating tonight!
- 佳怡 Jiayi好主意！你准备好糖果袋子了吗？Hǎo zhǔyì! Nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo tángguǒ dàizi le ma?Good idea! Have you prepared your candy bag?
- 志强 Zhiqiang准备好了，我的袋子很大。Zhǔnbèi hǎo le, wǒ de dàizi hěn dà.I have, my bag is very large.
- 佳怡 Jiayi太棒了，我们快点出发吧。Tài bàng le, wǒmen kuài diǎn chūfā ba.Great, let's head out soon.
