你真笨
nǐ zhēn bèn
The Chinese phrase for "you're dumb" is 你真笨 (nǐ zhēn bèn).
This expression is used to tell someone that they lack intelligence or are acting foolishly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 你 (you), 真 (really) and 笨 (stupid/clumsy).
Which one should you use?
While 你真笨 can be used playfully, using 你很蠢 is much more direct and carries a harsher, more insulting tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
你真笨 is an informal phrase. It is relatively mild and is often used in an informal, even playful or affectionate way between friends or couples.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because 真 is an adverb of degree, you do not need to add the copula 是 before it in this specific construction.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ zhēn bèn
Did you know?
- In Chinese culture, the word 笨 originally described physical clumsiness or a lack of coordination rather than just a lack of mental capacity.
- In many Chinese contexts, calling someone 笨 can actually function as a term of endearment, similar to how an English speaker might call a partner 'silly'.
- Using the booster 真 can make the phrase sound more exaggerated and 'cute', a stylistic choice often used in soft or feminine speech.
Examples in context
- 你真笨，连这都不会。Nǐ zhēn bèn, lián zhè dōu bú huì.You're dumb, you don't even know how to do this.
- 别生气，我只是想说你真笨。Bié shēngqì, wǒ zhǐshì xiǎng shuō nǐ zhēn bèn.Don't be angry, I just wanted to say you're dumb.
- 看你犯的错，你真笨。Kàn nǐ fàn de cuò, nǐ zhēn bèn.Look at the mistake you made, you're dumb.
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are trying to solve a simple puzzle together.
- 雨婷 Yuting我还是没明白怎么玩。Wǒ háishì méi míngbai zěnme wán.I still don't understand how to play.
- 浩然 Haoran这么简单，你真笨！Zhème jiǎndān, nǐ zhēn bèn!It's so simple, you're so dumb!
- 雨婷 Yuting你快教我，别笑我。Nǐ kuài jiāo wǒ, bié xiào wǒ.Just teach me quickly, stop laughing at me.
- 浩然 Haoran好吧，看我怎么做。Hǎo ba, kàn wǒ zěnme zuò.Alright, watch how I do it.
