<p>For cursing:</p>

<ul>
<li>"操" is pretty similar to "damn" or "sh*t" in such situation of cursing. Also similar as they should not be used in very formal situations. However, the meaning of "操" is same as the f word in its verb form.</li>
<li>"操" should be quite acceptable (or at least ok) in informal scenarios. </li>
<li>"靠" has very very close meaning as "操" in this situation. Actually, it is some thing more dirty in origin.</li>
</ul>

<p>Just express it hurts e.g. when get a toe stubbed:</p>

<ul>
<li>While in very formal situations, I would say "Ah!(啊!)" (same as "Ouch!") without cursing. Note: the ah sound is really short, something short than 1/2 second perhaps.</li>
<li>哎呀 has the similar meaning while in my personal impression, 哎呀 is more used in situation of surprises than got hurt.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-06-20T17:49:35.157Z
@Flake I'm pretty sure 'kao4' (``靠``) is just a [bowdlerization](http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bowdlerize) of 'cao4'. Do you have any evidence that it's "more dirty"?
Stumpy Joe Pete
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:21:40.383Z
Hm, are you sure about 操 being "damn" or "sh*t", my dictionary only says "_to f*ck (vulgar)_"? Doesn't seem like something I'd like to say when my program won't compile!
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:26:39.380Z
By "pretty similar to" I meant only its usage in the situation of cursing. It has real meaning of f word, but in Chinese, widely used for cursing. 靠 is almost the same too. Yes, you can curse using 操 when your program does not compile. But only when you are really annoyed, e.g. when you are close to a deadline or in bad mood.
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:29:59.177Z
A bit off-topic, but being Scottish, 哎呀 is great for me - if I stub my toe or whatever, I already automatically shout 'ai ya!' :)  Well, that or something like 'ai ya f**cker!' :D
Cocowalla
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:31:57.257Z
I think I understand what you're saying, we have the same thing in Croatian. However, this is exactly the thing I wanted to avoid, I'd like to get a bit more euphemistic if possible. For example, I like using "blast!", "cor blimey!" and other, more "British" expressions so to speak.
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:34:38.660Z
@drHannibalLecter I've never actually heard anyone British say "cor blimey!" in real life, but I take your point :)
Cocowalla
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:38:26.403Z
@Cocowalla: I assumed as much, but still..mayhap I've watched too many Fawlty Towers or Jeeves and Wooster episodes...and other "nice" shows... :)
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:38:40.590Z
@drHannibalLecter That is really interesting to know. :D
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:28:21.177Z
2011-12-14T21:01:59.263Z
2011-12-14T21:01:59.263Z
Flake
<p>"靠" is more like it, in modern oral Chinese.</p>

<p>While "操" is literally the F-word since it's a homonym of "肏" which <strong>means</strong> the F-word.</p>

<p>If you are looking for a more speakable word, 倒霉, 该死 or 见鬼 would be more fit.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:53:54.003Z
I did not put "靠" because it is actually "尻" which is even dirty as I presume. But anyway, they are almost the same to me. :P
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:16:24.877Z
No, it's not. It's a pure exclamation nowadays.
Kabie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:28:00.737Z
As I understand, the relation between 靠 and 尻 and the one between 操 and 肏 are the same. They are all 通假字. Both 靠 and 操 are used as 通假 only after computer era.
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:40:11.680Z
@Flake: But one never says "我尻", instead one says "我靠" or "我操". That is said, 靠 is more like a neutral replacement for 操. It can be used both good or bad way.
Kabie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:42:25.303Z
If I understood correctly, even though my dictionary says "_to f*ck (vulgar)_" for 靠, it's not actually a swear word but an exclamation?
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:51:56.937Z
@Flake: For the record, 靠 did used as a dirty-less replacement for 尻 first, but 尻 is clearly an uncivilized word for typing on the internet.
Kabie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:52:04.487Z
@dr Hannibal Lecter: That still depends on the occasion as any word. I think it will be a very bad impression if a non-native speaker speaks that way.
Kabie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:59:47.203Z
@Kabie: Hm, in that case I might stick with 糟糕! :)
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T22:05:11.687Z
@drHannibalLecter To me, "糟糕" seems only appear in novels and movies rather than in real life conversations. Meanwhile, the very similar things, "糟了" / "坏了", are used in the situations where one forgets something important or similar. E.g. when I forget my project report in a meeting to managers, I may say "糟了" or "坏了" or "靠" or "操" silently.
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T22:07:34.460Z
@dr Hannibal Lecter: Yes, 糟糕 is the word. However it usually is said softly and repeatedly, unlike a big, loud /dæm/ could frame the emotion.
Kabie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:48:17.727Z
2011-12-14T21:56:17.927Z
2011-12-14T21:56:17.927Z
Kabie
<p>I know some people might think 干 is not-so-mild, but I tend to hear it a lot in the sense of </p>

<pre><code>Damn, all the way over there? That's a long way to go
干！那么远的地方？走过去要很久
</code></pre>

<p>or</p>

<pre><code>That chick is hot, damn!
那个正妹好辣，干！
</code></pre>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-01-27T22:34:50.803Z
Can you add Chinese examples?
rxmnnxfpvg
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-21T19:30:00.973Z
2013-01-28T10:25:37.813Z
2013-01-28T10:25:37.813Z
Lars Andren
<p>May I suggest checking out the <a href="http://www.chinasmack.com/glossary">ChinaSmack glossary</a>? They have a huge array of colorful language, and there is sure to be something that meets your needs in terms of a curse word there.</p>

<p>Just to add, I always hear Chinese girls saying <strong>讨厌 (taoyan)</strong> when they are annoyed or frustrated, but it's not exactly the most masculine of statements. <strong>烦 (fan)</strong> also seems to be a common expression amongst both genders, although not exactly the meaning you are looking for.</p>

<p>Hope that helps.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-01-28T13:30:48.710Z
"討厭" is mostly spoken by women. Perhaps "該死" is better.
Mike Manilone
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:46:38.423Z
Or if stubbing your toe, 哎呀，好疼! might be pretty acceptable. 哎呀is one of my personal favorite words, and probably lines up with what you are trying to express pretty well.
Ciaocibai
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:48:34.340Z
However, both 讨厌 and 烦 will almost never be used for cursing situations. :P "讨厌" is like "leave me alone" in girly form.
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:50:11.937Z
Yes, 哎呀 or simply "啊(ah..)". ;) But, seems not too many people really say "好疼". It is like written words in novels.
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:58:39.463Z
You definitely may suggest! :) It's amazing how some of these expressions on ChinaSmack are _exactly_ the same as those used in my country. I haven't seen this in any other language (English, German, Italian...)
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:20:02.760Z
Maybe it's the people I hang out with; I have to say, I've heard people say 哎呀 more in the South of China than the North.
Ciaocibai
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:21:13.713Z
Oh, and glad you like ChinaSmack - the glossary is pretty amazing. There are actually a couple of books on Amazon you may be interested in all about slang and cursing in Chinese - for example http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Chinese-Everyday-Slang-Whats/dp/1569757275
Ciaocibai
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:29:01.923Z
@Ciaocibai It may be true, as I come from northern part. 哎呀 seems a little bit girly to me. ;)
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T21:39:36.993Z
I kind of like 哎呀, it seems quite universal, can be applied in any situation!
dr Hannibal Lecter
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T22:06:55.220Z
@Flake I just knew you were going to be a Northerner!
Ciaocibai
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T22:20:02.723Z
@Ciaocibai ha! Yes I am. Never knew that "哎呀" is commonly used in the South. ;)
Flake
CC BY-SA 3.0
2011-12-14T20:45:20.360Z
2011-12-14T20:45:20.360Z
Ciaocibai
<p>The phrase 他妈的 has been explained in <a href="https://chinese.stackexchange.com/questions/150/how-offensive-is-%E4%BB%96%E5%A6%88%E7%9A%84">this question</a>. Since I'm a no-expletives guy, I don't feel comfortable so close to the f-word. :) I was wondering what would be the correct way to use some of the <em>milder</em> curse words I use daily like "damn", "bloody hell", "sh*t", "arse" etc.</p>

<p>I'm guessing most of these cannot be translated directly, so I guess what I'm asking is: <strong>What would be more-or-less socially acceptable way of cursing in Chinese when you stub your toe?</strong></p>

<culture><politeness><swearing>
How do I say "damn!" or "bloody hell" in Chinese?
# How do I say "damn!" or "bloody hell" in Chinese?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2011-12-14)

The phrase 他妈的 has been explained in [this question](https://chinese.stackexchange.com/questions/150/how-offensive-is-%E4%BB%96%E5%A6%88%E7%9A%84). Since I'm a no-expletives guy, I don't feel comfortable so close to the f-word. :) I was wondering what would be the correct way to use some of the *milder* curse words I use daily like "damn", "bloody hell", "sh\*t", "arse" etc.

I'm guessing most of these cannot be translated directly, so I guess what I'm asking is: **What would be more-or-less socially acceptable way of cursing in Chinese when you stub your toe?**

**Tags:** culture, politeness, swearing


---

## 4 answers

### Answer by username_7 on 2011-12-14. Score: 10 | Accepted answer

May I suggest checking out the [ChinaSmack glossary](http://www.chinasmack.com/glossary)? They have a huge array of colorful language, and there is sure to be something that meets your needs in terms of a curse word there.

Just to add, I always hear Chinese girls saying **讨厌 (taoyan)** when they are annoyed or frustrated, but it's not exactly the most masculine of statements. **烦 (fan)** also seems to be a common expression amongst both genders, although not exactly the meaning you are looking for.

Hope that helps.

> **Comments:**
> **username_7**: Or if stubbing your toe, 哎呀，好疼! might be pretty acceptable. 哎呀is one of my personal favorite words, and probably lines up with what you are trying to express pretty well.  
> **username_1**: However, both 讨厌 and 烦 will almost never be used for cursing situations. :P "讨厌" is like "leave me alone" in girly form.  
> **username_1**: Yes, 哎呀 or simply "啊(ah..)". ;) But, seems not too many people really say "好疼". It is like written words in novels.  
> **username_0**: You definitely may suggest! :) It's amazing how some of these expressions on ChinaSmack are _exactly_ the same as those used in my country. I haven't seen this in any other language (English, German, Italian...)  
> **username_7**: Maybe it's the people I hang out with; I have to say, I've heard people say 哎呀 more in the South of China than the North.  
> **username_7**: Oh, and glad you like ChinaSmack - the glossary is pretty amazing. There are actually a couple of books on Amazon you may be interested in all about slang and cursing in Chinese - for example http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Chinese-Everyday-Slang-Whats/dp/1569757275  
> **username_1**: @username_7 It may be true, as I come from northern part. 哎呀 seems a little bit girly to me. ;)  
> **username_0**: I kind of like 哎呀, it seems quite universal, can be applied in any situation!  
> **username_7**: @username_1 I just knew you were going to be a Northerner!  
> **username_1**: @username_7 ha! Yes I am. Never knew that "哎呀" is commonly used in the South. ;)  
> **username_8**: "討厭" is mostly spoken by women. Perhaps "該死" is better.  

---

### Answer by username_1 on 2011-12-14. Score: 7

For cursing:

* "操" is pretty similar to "damn" or "sh\*t" in such situation of cursing. Also similar as they should not be used in very formal situations. However, the meaning of "操" is same as the f word in its verb form.
* "操" should be quite acceptable (or at least ok) in informal scenarios.
* "靠" has very very close meaning as "操" in this situation. Actually, it is some thing more dirty in origin.

Just express it hurts e.g. when get a toe stubbed:

* While in very formal situations, I would say "Ah!(啊!)" (same as "Ouch!") without cursing. Note: the ah sound is really short, something short than 1/2 second perhaps.
* 哎呀 has the similar meaning while in my personal impression, 哎呀 is more used in situation of surprises than got hurt.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Hm, are you sure about 操 being "damn" or "sh*t", my dictionary only says "_to f*ck (vulgar)_"? Doesn't seem like something I'd like to say when my program won't compile!  
> **username_1**: By "pretty similar to" I meant only its usage in the situation of cursing. It has real meaning of f word, but in Chinese, widely used for cursing. 靠 is almost the same too. Yes, you can curse using 操 when your program does not compile. But only when you are really annoyed, e.g. when you are close to a deadline or in bad mood.  
> **username_3**: A bit off-topic, but being Scottish, 哎呀 is great for me - if I stub my toe or whatever, I already automatically shout 'ai ya!' :)  Well, that or something like 'ai ya f**cker!' :D  
> **username_0**: I think I understand what you're saying, we have the same thing in Croatian. However, this is exactly the thing I wanted to avoid, I'd like to get a bit more euphemistic if possible. For example, I like using "blast!", "cor blimey!" and other, more "British" expressions so to speak.  
> **username_3**: @drHannibalLecter I've never actually heard anyone British say "cor blimey!" in real life, but I take your point :)  
> **username_0**: @username_3: I assumed as much, but still..mayhap I've watched too many Fawlty Towers or Jeeves and Wooster episodes...and other "nice" shows... :)  
> **username_1**: @drHannibalLecter That is really interesting to know. :D  
> **username_2**: @username_1 I'm pretty sure 'kao4' (``靠``) is just a [bowdlerization](http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bowdlerize) of 'cao4'. Do you have any evidence that it's "more dirty"?  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2011-12-14. Score: 4

"靠" is more like it, in modern oral Chinese.

While "操" is literally the F-word since it's a homonym of "肏" which **means** the F-word.

If you are looking for a more speakable word, 倒霉, 该死 or 见鬼 would be more fit.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I did not put "靠" because it is actually "尻" which is even dirty as I presume. But anyway, they are almost the same to me. :P  
> **username_4**: No, it's not. It's a pure exclamation nowadays.  
> **username_1**: As I understand, the relation between 靠 and 尻 and the one between 操 and 肏 are the same. They are all 通假字. Both 靠 and 操 are used as 通假 only after computer era.  
> **username_4**: @username_1: But one never says "我尻", instead one says "我靠" or "我操". That is said, 靠 is more like a neutral replacement for 操. It can be used both good or bad way.  
> **username_0**: If I understood correctly, even though my dictionary says "_to f*ck (vulgar)_" for 靠, it's not actually a swear word but an exclamation?  
> **username_4**: @username_1: For the record, 靠 did used as a dirty-less replacement for 尻 first, but 尻 is clearly an uncivilized word for typing on the internet.  
> **username_4**: @username_0: That still depends on the occasion as any word. I think it will be a very bad impression if a non-native speaker speaks that way.  
> **username_0**: @username_4: Hm, in that case I might stick with 糟糕! :)  
> **username_1**: @drHannibalLecter To me, "糟糕" seems only appear in novels and movies rather than in real life conversations. Meanwhile, the very similar things, "糟了" / "坏了", are used in the situations where one forgets something important or similar. E.g. when I forget my project report in a meeting to managers, I may say "糟了" or "坏了" or "靠" or "操" silently.  
> **username_4**: @username_0: Yes, 糟糕 is the word. However it usually is said softly and repeatedly, unlike a big, loud /dæm/ could frame the emotion.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2011-12-21. Score: 3

I know some people might think 干 is not-so-mild, but I tend to hear it a lot in the sense of 
Damn, all the way over there? That's a long way to go
干！那么远的地方？走过去要很久

or
That chick is hot, damn!
那个正妹好辣，干！

> **Comments:**
> **username_6**: Can you add Chinese examples?  

---

