你看起来很丑
nǐ kàn qǐ lai hěn chǒu
The English phrase "you look ugly" is translated into Chinese as 你看起来很丑 (nǐ kàn qǐ lai hěn chǒu).
This phrase is used to tell someone that their physical appearance is not attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 你 (you), 看起来 (looks/appears), 很 (very) and 丑 (ugly).
Which one should you use?
While 你看起来很丑 focuses on a current appearance or impression, the phrase 你长得很丑 (nǐ zhǎng de hěn chǒu) focuses on one's innate physical features or facial structure, essentially meaning "you are born ugly" or "you have ugly features." For a more direct and blunt way to say someone is ugly, you can use 你真丑.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this construction, the adverb 很 (hěn) is typically used before the adjective 丑 (chǒu) even if the English translation does not explicitly include the word 'very'.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ kàn qǐ lai hěn chǒu
Did you know?
- In some Chinese contexts, calling a baby 丑 ('ugly') is a traditional way to protect them from evil spirits who might be attracted to beauty.
- The character 丑 (chǒu) is also one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, representing the 'Ox'.
- The term 丑 is used in the traditional Chinese opera role 丑角 ('ugly role'), which is often the comic relief or a cunning character.
Examples in context
- 我今天看起来很丑吗？Do I look ugly today?
- 这件衣服让我看起来很难看吗？Does this outfit make me look ugly?
- 你看起来很丑。Nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn chǒu.You look ugly.
- 换了这件衣服，你看起来很丑。Huànle zhè jiàn yīfú, nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn chǒu.After changing into these clothes, you look ugly.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about a new hairstyle.
- 伟 Wei我觉得你看起来很丑。Wǒ juédé nǐ kàn qǐlái hěn chǒu.I think you look ugly.
- 梓涵 Zihan你说话怎么这么难听？Nǐ shuōhuà zěnme zhème nántīng?How can you say such unpleasant things?
- 伟 Wei我是实话实说。Wǒ shì shíhuà shíshuō.I am just telling the truth.
- 梓涵 Zihan伟，你太伤人心了。Wěi, nǐ tài shāng rén xīn le.Wei, you are being too hurtful.
