Meanings of 得罪
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Podcast: 得罪
Podcast: 得罪
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AI Study Notes for 得罪
冒犯 (màofàn) - use 得罪 when the offense is unintentional or related to social norms, while 冒犯 implies a more direct or intentional offense.
Be careful with the tones; '得罪' (de2 zui4) has a different meaning from '得' (dé), which can imply gaining or obtaining. This word is often used in polite contexts, such as '我无意得罪您' (I didn’t mean to offend you), and can be paired with other words like '人' (person) to specify who is being offended.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 得罪 connects with other social interaction vocabulary. Focus on understanding contextual usage and practice forming sentences that might involve social faux pas to grasp its nuances better.
Learners often confuse 得罪 with the similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as 得 (dé), which means 'to obtain'. For example, using '我得罪他' (I obtain him) instead of '我得罪了他' (I offended him) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 得罪
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Component Characters
How to say to commit an offense in Chinese
“to commit an offense” in Chinese is得罪
得罪 (de2 zui4) means to offend or commit an offense, typically in a social context. It is often used when someone unintentionally hurts another's feelings or violates social norms, making it a common expression in both formal and informal settings.
When to use 得罪
Be careful with the tones; '得罪' (de2 zui4) has a different meaning from '得' (dé), which can imply gaining or obtaining. This word is often used in polite contexts, such as '我无意得罪您' (I didn’t mean to offend you), and can be paired with other words like '人' (person) to specify who is being offended.
得罪 or something close to it
冒犯 (màofàn) - use 得罪 when the offense is unintentional or related to social norms, while 冒犯 implies a more direct or intentional offense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 得罪 with the similar-sounding words that have different meanings, such as 得 (dé), which means 'to obtain'. For example, using '我得罪他' (I obtain him) instead of '我得罪了他' (I offended him) is incorrect.
Write 得罪
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Grammar Patterns of 得罪
得罪 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 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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我尽量少____人。
I try to offend the least amount of people possible.
Example Sentences for 得罪 (3)
Rebuild it
Rebuild it: “I try to offend the least amount of people possible.”
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Cultural Notes for 得罪
In Western cultures, a faux pas might often be addressed directly or humorously, while in Chinese culture, it is more about maintaining social harmony and avoiding embarrassment.
Frequently Asked Questions about 得罪
Yes, it is appropriate to use 得罪 in formal communication when addressing an unintentional offense.
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