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不像话 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
不像话búxiànghuàunreasonableHSK 7, l, 25 strokes, rank #17546, Very Hard
不像话búxiànghuàshockingHSK 7, l, 25 strokes, rank #17546, Very Hard
不像话búxiànghuàoutrageousHSK 7, l, 25 strokes, rank #17546, Very Hard
búxiànghuà(bu2xiang4hua4)bu xiang hua T4
  1. 1unreasonable
  2. 2shocking
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March 24, 2026

不像话(不像話)búxiànghuà(bu2xiang4hua4)

不像话 (bù xiàng huà) describes a situation or behavior that is unreasonable, shocking, or outrageous. It is often used to express disapproval or disbelief regarding someone's actions or statements, particularly when they deviate significantly from social norms.

Strokes25Frequency#17546DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, maintaining social harmony is crucial; thus, behaviors deemed unreasonable or outrageous can provoke strong reactions. The expression highlights the importance of societal expectations and norms.

Memory tip

Imagine someone saying something so outrageous that it doesn't even resemble a proper conversation (不像话). The characters '不像' (not like) and '话' (speech) together paint a picture of speech that is completely out of line, making it easy to recall the meaning.

Meanings of 不像话

búxiànghuà(bu2xiang4hua4)
1unreasonable
2shocking
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 不像话

不像话Simplified
不像話Traditional
25Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#17546Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 不像话

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Podcast: 不像话

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AI Study Notes for 不像话

Quick Contrast

不像话 (bùxiànghuà) vs 不合理 (bù hélǐ) — use 不像话 for shocking or outrageous situations, while 不合理 emphasizes logical inconsistency.

Usage Notes

This expression is generally informal and used in spoken language. Learners might confuse it with similar expressions; ensure to use it when implying a strong emotional reaction to something unreasonable. Common collocations include '这样的行为不像话' (such behavior is outrageous).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 不像话 connects with other expressions of disapproval or judgment. Focus on the context in which it is used and practice forming sentences that reflect your opinions on various situations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 不像话 by applying it too broadly, saying it in contexts where a milder expression would be appropriate. For instance, saying '他的意见不像话' (His opinion is unreasonable) may come off as too strong for casual disagreements.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 不像话

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Component Characters

不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
像xiàngto resemble
HSK 313 strokes亻
View full entry
话huàspoken words
HSK 18 strokes讠
View full entry

How to say unreasonable in Chinese

“unreasonable” in Chinese is不像话búxiànghuà

不像话 (bù xiàng huà) describes a situation or behavior that is unreasonable, shocking, or outrageous. It is often used to express disapproval or disbelief regarding someone's actions or statements, particularly when they deviate significantly from social norms.

When to use 不像话

This expression is generally informal and used in spoken language. Learners might confuse it with similar expressions; ensure to use it when implying a strong emotional reaction to something unreasonable. Common collocations include '这样的行为不像话' (such behavior is outrageous).

不像话 or something close to it

不像话 (bùxiànghuà) vs 不合理 (bù hélǐ) — use 不像话 for shocking or outrageous situations, while 不合理 emphasizes logical inconsistency.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 不像话 by applying it too broadly, saying it in contexts where a milder expression would be appropriate. For instance, saying '他的意见不像话' (His opinion is unreasonable) may come off as too strong for casual disagreements.

Write 不像话

不
像
话

Practice writing 不像话 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 不像话

不像话 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 2

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这太____了,我们再也不能容忍下去了。

It's outrageous, and we won't stand for it any more.

Example Sentences for 不像话 (2)

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1
这太不像话了,我们再也不能容忍下去了。

zhè tài bù xiàng huà le, , wǒ mén zài yě bù néng róng rěn xià qù。

It's outrageous, and we won't stand for it any more.
2
他只是要求英格丽德不要再这么不像话了。

tā zhī shì yào qiú yīng gé lì dé bù yào zài zhè mó bù xiàng huà le。

He asked only that Ingrid stop behaving so scandalously.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 不像话

No, 不像话 is an informal expression and is better suited for spoken language or casual writing.

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