Meanings of 骂
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About 骂
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Podcast: 骂
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AI Study Notes for 骂
侮辱 (wǔrǔ, insult) vs 骂 (mà, scold) — use 侮辱 when implying a more formal or serious offense rather than just verbal scolding.
Be cautious not to confuse 骂 (mà) with its more formal counterpart 责骂 (zémà), which is used in serious contexts. It’s more common in informal situations among friends or family. Additionally, remember that using this word can convey strong emotions, so be mindful of the tone and context.
As an HSK 5 word, 骂 (mà) connects well with other vocabulary related to emotions and interpersonal relationships. Focus on understanding how to use it in different contexts of conflict or disagreement, and try to practice forming sentences that express both scolding and softer critiques.
Learners often confuse 骂 (mà) with 罵 (mà), which is an older form, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他骂我' (Tā mà wǒ - He scolds me) is correct, while using 罵 in modern contexts may sound outdated.
Pronunciation of 骂
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Etymology of 骂
mouth
Origin
骂 = 口 + 马. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 骂
Parts
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How to say to scold in Chinese
“to scold” in Chinese is骂
The character 骂 (mà) means to scold, curse, or abuse someone verbally. It is commonly used in contexts where someone expresses strong disapproval or anger towards another person, often in a heated or emotional manner. This term can also imply accusations or blame in a negative context.
When to use 骂
Be cautious not to confuse 骂 (mà) with its more formal counterpart 责骂 (zémà), which is used in serious contexts. It’s more common in informal situations among friends or family. Additionally, remember that using this word can convey strong emotions, so be mindful of the tone and context.
骂 or something close to it
侮辱 (wǔrǔ, insult) vs 骂 (mà, scold) — use 侮辱 when implying a more formal or serious offense rather than just verbal scolding.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 骂 (mà) with 罵 (mà), which is an older form, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '他骂我' (Tā mà wǒ - He scolds me) is correct, while using 罵 in modern contexts may sound outdated.
Write 骂
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Practice writing 骂 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 骂
骂 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
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他是骂我的。
He was the one who scolded me.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
孩子大了，____也骂不得，打也打不得。
The child is grown up — you can neither scold nor hit them.
Common Confusions with 骂
骂 means to scold or curse, while 批 means to criticize or comment.
他批评了我，跟骂不一样。
骂 means to scold or curse, while 批 means to criticize or comment.
Usage Notes for 骂
骂 is generally considered informal and can be seen as impolite.
在正式场合骂人是不礼貌的。
It's impolite to scold someone in formal occasions.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
在正式场合____人是不礼貌的。
It's impolite to scold someone in formal occasions.
Example Sentences for 骂 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 骂
In Western cultures, openly scolding someone may be viewed as rude or inappropriate, while in Chinese culture, it can sometimes be seen as a necessary part of teaching or correcting behavior.
Word Family of 骂
Words with 骂
What does 骂人 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 骂
Yes, 骂 (mà) is used in contexts that are negative, typically involving strong emotions such as anger or frustration.
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