The art of insulting – Many study Chinese in China students just beginning their Chinese language studies often find themselves able to throw out a few “bad words” before they can put together a decent greetings introduction. This may not be a Chinese phenomenon as it seems with languages all around the world some of the first words learnt tend to be not so pleasing to the ear.
Chinese insults, like everywhere else, are no different. Many of the insults, especially the cruder ones, are obvious once you know a few words, but as you develop your language skills further you will notice cultural differences on what is viewed as offensive and what is not. These difference of perspective is something you will experience first-hand when you Study Chinese in China.
Words that are benign in one language can send someone aback when translated to their mother language. A good example – In the west if you come across a new acquaintance who “off the bat” calls you fat or overweight, not only would you be “dump spelled”, you would most likely follow up with “an excuse me?” then from this point walk away embarrassed, humiliated, and insulted to the bone, or extend an argument; slap; punch or and what not. In China however, its completely different. A women or man faced with this accusation may just pat their bellies and agree that they'd like to drop a few pounds
Likewise, to call your loved one a “pig” in English most likely will “not take you very far.” If you don’t’ believe, try affectionately calling your love one a pig and see where it gets you. As a study Chinese in China student, you will however commonly come across loving Chinese couples calling their partner nicknames such as “pig.”Why? Because it is viewed as a cute, intimate way to express feelings
Furthermore, in southern China where Cantonese is commonly spoken, study Chinese in China students will often hear people tell other to “eat sh*t” or “go die.” In English these two words sound strong and definitely would not “go down too well.” In areas such as Hong Kong and Shen Zhen however, it’s perfectly acceptable to tell a friend to “eat sh*t.” Why? One theory, the Cantonese way of saying “eat sh*t” sounds very similar to the English world “sexy.” Therefore it comes across as a cross language play on words
Ultimately, as a study Chinese in China student you will more than likely come across some of these few “bad words.” But it is also important to know where to draw the line as all visitors know that lines are drawn somewhere in the sand. This will come naturally throw continued socializing and learning. Remember this though, in China if you call a Chinese person's baby ugly, the mother will most likely forgive you, however if you tell her that her Chinese food is not good …then you have crossed that line.
When you study Chinese in China not only will you be learning one of the most important languages of the future, you will also be learning about cultural differences and tolerance.
Chinese insults, like everywhere else, are no different. Many of the insults, especially the cruder ones, are obvious once you know a few words, but as you develop your language skills further you will notice cultural differences on what is viewed as offensive and what is not. These difference of perspective is something you will experience first-hand when you Study Chinese in China.
Words that are benign in one language can send someone aback when translated to their mother language. A good example – In the west if you come across a new acquaintance who “off the bat” calls you fat or overweight, not only would you be “dump spelled”, you would most likely follow up with “an excuse me?” then from this point walk away embarrassed, humiliated, and insulted to the bone, or extend an argument; slap; punch or and what not. In China however, its completely different. A women or man faced with this accusation may just pat their bellies and agree that they'd like to drop a few pounds
Likewise, to call your loved one a “pig” in English most likely will “not take you very far.” If you don’t’ believe, try affectionately calling your love one a pig and see where it gets you. As a study Chinese in China student, you will however commonly come across loving Chinese couples calling their partner nicknames such as “pig.”Why? Because it is viewed as a cute, intimate way to express feelings
Furthermore, in southern China where Cantonese is commonly spoken, study Chinese in China students will often hear people tell other to “eat sh*t” or “go die.” In English these two words sound strong and definitely would not “go down too well.” In areas such as Hong Kong and Shen Zhen however, it’s perfectly acceptable to tell a friend to “eat sh*t.” Why? One theory, the Cantonese way of saying “eat sh*t” sounds very similar to the English world “sexy.” Therefore it comes across as a cross language play on words
Ultimately, as a study Chinese in China student you will more than likely come across some of these few “bad words.” But it is also important to know where to draw the line as all visitors know that lines are drawn somewhere in the sand. This will come naturally throw continued socializing and learning. Remember this though, in China if you call a Chinese person's baby ugly, the mother will most likely forgive you, however if you tell her that her Chinese food is not good …then you have crossed that line.
When you study Chinese in China not only will you be learning one of the most important languages of the future, you will also be learning about cultural differences and tolerance.
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