你是同性恋
ni shi tongxinglian
In Chinese, 'you're gay' is translated as 你是同性恋 (ni shi tongxinglian).
The phrase is used to state that a person is attracted to people of their own sex. While 同性恋 is the standard term for homosexuality, it is often used as a noun to refer to a person who is gay.
Which one should you use?
The term 同志 (originally meaning comrade) is used as a common, slightly more informal or euphemistic way to refer to someone in the LGBTQ+ community. For a more casual or slang tone, the term 基佬 can be used to mean 'gay guy'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, the expression 你是个基佬 may be used among friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the copula 是 (to be) to link the subject 你 (you) with the noun 同性恋 (homosexual/gay).
How do you pronounce it?
ni shi tongxinglian
Did you know?
- In some internet slang, people use the term 弯 (bent) to describe someone who is gay, playing on the idea of being 'not straight'.
- In mainland China, the term 同志 is so common that it can still be used as a gender-neutral way to address someone in a formal or slightly old-fashioned way, regardless of their orientation.
- While 同性恋 is the formal term for 'homosexuality', the word for 'sex' or 'gender' inside it, 性, is also the character used for 'nature' or 'character' in other contexts.
Examples in context
- 我怀疑你是同性恋。Wǒ huáiyí nǐ shì tóngxìngliàn.I suspect you're gay.
- 既然你是同性恋，那就直说吧。Jìrán nǐ shì tóngxìngliàn, nà jiù zhí shuō ba.Since you're gay, just say it directly.
