你是个白痴
nǐ shì ge báichī
The English phrase 'you're an idiot' is translated into Chinese as 你是个白痴 (nǐ shì ge báichī).
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are very stupid.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase contains the character 个 (ge), which is a measure word used here to quantify the noun 白痴 (idiot).
Which one should you use?
While 你是个白痴 translates to 'you are an idiot', you can use 你真是个白痴 to add emphasis, which translates to 'you really are an idiot'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal. It can be used as a direct insult or, among very close friends, as a harsh way of teasing.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ shì ge báichī
Did you know?
- While 白痴 is a strong insult, Chinese speakers often use the term 傻瓜 (shǎguā), which means 'silly melon', to call someone an idiot in a cute or affectionate way.
- The word 白痴 (báichī) literally translates to 'white madness'. In ancient Chinese medicine, it was used to describe a specific type of congenital intellectual disability.
- In Chinese, the character 痴 (chī) refers to a state of being obsessed or infatuated, often used in terms like 'obsessive lover'.
Examples in context
- 你真笨You're really foolish.
- 你真傻You're really silly.
- 别再说了，你是个白痴。Bié zài shuō le, nǐ shì gè báichī.Stop talking, you're an idiot.
- 难道你是个白痴吗？Nándào nǐ shì gè báichī ma?Are you an idiot or something?
Example conversation
A young man makes a silly mistake while playing a game.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你怎么又输了？Nǐ zěnme yòu shū le?How did you lose again?
- 俊杰 Junjie我只是不小心。Wǒ zhǐshì bù xiǎoxīn.I just wasn't paying attention.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你是个白痴！Nǐ shì gè báichī!You're an idiot!
- 俊杰 Junjie别生气了。Bié shēngqì le.Don't be angry.
