你真笨
nǐ zhēn bèn
The English phrase "you're stupid" can be expressed in Mandarin as 你真笨 (nǐ zhēn bèn).
These expressions are used to tell someone that they lack intelligence or have done something foolish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 你真笨 is composed of 你 (you), 真 (really/truly) and 笨 (stupid/clumsy).
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to express this depending on the intensity and tone. 你好蠢啊 translates to "You're so dumb" and 你真傻 means "You're really foolish." For an intensified version, 你笨得可以 means "You're incredibly stupid." You can also use the noun 笨蛋 (idiot/dummy) by adding 蛋 (egg) to the adjective 笨.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
你真笨 is informal and is often used in a lighthearted, teasing or affectionate way between friends or couples rather than being a harsh insult. For a much more formal or indirect way to say "I think your intelligence is limited," you can use 我觉得你的智商有限.
How do you pronounce it?
nǐ zhēn bèn
Did you know?
- While 笨蛋 means 'idiot', the word 蛋 (egg) is used in many Mandarin insults to describe people who are seen as incomplete or flawed.
- The term 笨 can also describe a lack of physical dexterity or clumsiness, meaning someone can be 'stupid' with their hands but brilliant with their mind.
- The phrase 你真笨 is often seen in Mandopop songs and romantic dramas to depict a character who is 'lovably dim-witted'.
Examples in context
- 你真笨。Nǐ zhēn bèn.You are really stupid.
Example conversation
Two friends are trying to solve a simple puzzle together.
- 雨婷 Yuting志强，答案就在你面前。Zhìqiáng, dá'àn jiù zài nǐ miànqián.Zhiqiang, the answer is right in front of you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真的吗？我怎么没看到？Zhēnde ma? Wǒ zěnme méi kàndào?Really? How did I miss it?
- 雨婷 Yuting你真笨，快看这里！Nǐ zhēn bèn, kuài kàn zhèlǐ!You're so stupid, look here quickly!
- 志强 Zhiqiang好吧，我确实没看到。Hǎo ba, wǒ quèshí méi kàndào.Okay, I really didn't see it.
