This doc covers how to curse in Chinese including common Chinese swear words, their English translations, and how to use them in a sentence.

1. How To Curse In Chinese
NOTE: This article is not an endorsement by Live Lingua for swearing. But it is a critical part
of communicating in any language, so you might as well learn them now. Here is how to curse in
Chinese.
We won’t beat around the bush here. The verbal expression of frustrations is often the only
available way to blow off steam that is actually satisfactory. Even if done quietly under the
breath, getting an opinion about a situation, a place, or perhaps a pesky boss off your chest just
feels so damn good.
Let’s take a look at a sample situation here: you’ve just stepped out of a particularly upsetting
meeting at work. A quiet expression isn’t going to cut it. You need full-voiced angst to emanate
from your being with the force of a thousand suns. But you’re at work and don’t necessarily feel
like alienating yourself and being labeled a moody asshole. Or worse, losing your job entirely.

2. So you head outside onto the street out front. A moment of fresh air, a chance to unwind before
heading back to your desk. And, a chance to yell like hell without the boss catching wind. Still,
someone might hear. A coworker could head out for lunch and open the door at any moment,
spoiling your random vestige of anger and turning your face red with embarrassment instead of
rage.
What to do? The answer is simple: swear in Chinese. No one will understand you! For full effect,
pull the cell phone out of your pocket and swear into it – that way, any observers will think
you’re deadlocked in a passionate business discussion with a foreign client.
Or, perhaps you’re how to learn how to swear in Chinese for an upcoming trip or a real-life
interaction in Chinese, one that’s actually happening instead of a fake cover up. Either way,
deciding to learn a few Chinese terms, even if they are just the curse words, is an admirable goal.
There’s a strong chance no one will understand you should you give in to the impulse to swear at
a friend, or a bit of road rage take hold.
Regardless of the language, learning any type of vocabulary in a foreign language, especially one
that is so different from your own, can seem an extremely daunting task. However, if you take it
slow and follow a step-by-step process you should be able to acquire enough basic Chinese
curse words to have fun, say what’s on your mind and still keep from offending anyone (unless
they know Chinese.)
How to curse in Chinese
Most linguists agree that you only need a vocabulary of about 120 basic words to "get by" in any
language, and if you look at it from this perspective then learning a few Chinese curse words is
probably a very manageable goal, especially if you use the following tips to help you acquire the
vocabulary you need.
1- Start your search online.
If you are unfamiliar with the language, you can start your search for Chinese curse words
online. Use websites like Google Translate or You Swear to find the Chinese curse words you
want. One of the benefits to using Google Translate is that you can listen and repeat the word by
clicking on the small speaker icon in the translation box. A few simple cuss words might be:
• Fuck (as in an insult) - cào 肏/操
• Fuck your ancestors to an innumerable generation - cào nǐ zǔzōng shíbā dài 肏你祖宗十
八代
• goddamn it - tā māde niǎo 他妈的鸟
• shut the fuck up - qù nǐde 去你的
• fuck your mom -cào nǐ mā 肏你妈
• damn on your second uncle - nǐ èr dàyé de 你二大爷的
• son of a bitch - wángbādàn 忘/王八蛋

3. Note: as in any other country culture influences the efficacy of a curse word. For example, in
China, ancestor worship is sacred. So many curse words involve the insulting of ancestors as this
offers the most confrontation.
2- Add visual elements.
Conducting a search for Chinese curse words on YouTube will also get you several video results
for both pronunciation and written forms of bad Chinese words. By viewing and reviewing the
words you are more likely to remember them.
Here is a great (and quite hilarious) video on how to curse in Chinese:
3- Use cue cards.
Cue cards are a great technique to use for general language learning. Add swear words, and the
process gets that much more enjoyable. Adding visual cues to the bad Chinese words can help
you learn them faster. Use white flash cards to memorize your vocabulary words.
Write one new word or phrase on one side of an index card. Place the English translation of the
Chinese curse word on the back of the card where you can’t easily see it. Underneath the Chinese
word draw a picture that represents the term. This doesn’t have to be a master drawing; a stick
figure representation will do. When you finish, you should have between 10 to 20 visual flash
cards with the Chinese words you want to learn.
This is also an effective way to learn how to swear in Chinese with a friend so that the both of
you can swear back and forth at each other.
How often do Chinese people use these terms?
The Chinese swear just as often as everybody else. The culture of swearing in China and among
Chinese is comparable to that of other nationalities regarding any offense that may be taken,
appropriate use, etc. What you’ll find if you begin swearing a lot in Chinese is that anyone who
understands you won’t be shy about swearing right back – so when you’re out front of the office
going on your tirade, don’t be too surprised if someone across the street joins in on the fun.
Are the Chinese easily offended by swearing?
Not any more so than Americans, Canadians, or Europeans. As we noted above, Chinese people
swear just like everyone else!
Putting It All Together
During your Chinese swear word study time, go over each phrase or word, repeating it out loud.
If you don’t remember what the vocabulary means look on the back of your cue card to see the

4. English translation. Review the pronunciation by watching the YouTube video, clicking on the
pronunciation in Google Translate or listening to your digital recorder. After a few repetitions,
while looking through the cards, you’ll remember the vocabulary through both the audio and
visual associations. Continue repeating the vocabulary out loud until you memorize it.
As is the case with any language learning journey, repetition is key to success. Use your key
cards, practice with a friend, or better yet – do some Skyping with a fluent Chinese speaker. You
two can swear at each other like one of you just punched the other’s son square in the face. Bet
you never thought learning a new language could be so much fun!
The moral of the story is to just do it. Learn the words. Use the words. Then, expand your
Chinese vocabulary to cover basic daily interactions and conversations. Practice every day and
we promise – you’ll see some fucking results. Need help with practice? Live Lingua has native
Chinese tutors available to get you chatting with the best of them.