Chinese Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest (X-Rated)

China, with its rich linguistic history and cultural diversity, has no shortage of colorful swear words. While Chinese profanity is generally more indirect compared to Western cultures, it still packs a punch when emotions run high. Whether it’s a heated argument over Mahjong, frustration with a bad driver, or just joking with friends, Chinese swear words offer a fascinating glimpse into the language’s unique structure and tone. Here’s your guide to Chinese swearing, ranked from strongest to weakest.

Chinese Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest

The Strongest Swear Words in Chinese

1. 操你妈 (Cào Nǐ Mā)

The Nuclear Option

“Cào nǐ mā,” meaning “f*** your mother,” is one of the strongest and most offensive insults in Mandarin. It’s a direct and brutal way to express extreme anger or hatred.

• Example:
  • “操你妈！你瞎了吗？” (Cào nǐ mā! Nǐ xiā le ma?) – “F*** your mother! Are you blind?”
  • “操你妈的车技！” (Cào nǐ mā de chē jì!) – “F*** your driving skills!”
• Pro Tip: This is not a phrase to use lightly—it’s deeply offensive and almost guaranteed to escalate a conflict.

2. 去你妈的 (Qù Nǐ Mā De)

The Softer Variation

“Qù nǐ mā de,” meaning “go to your mother’s,” is a slightly less offensive variation of “cào nǐ mā” but still packs a punch.

• Example:
  • “去你妈的，别烦我！” (Qù nǐ mā de, bié fán wǒ!) – “F*** off, stop bothering me!”
  • “去你妈的天气！” (Qù nǐ mā de tiānqì!) – “Damn this weather!”
• Pro Tip: This phrase is commonly used to express frustration or anger but is still very strong.

3. 傻逼 (Shǎ Bī)

The Insulting Fool

“Shǎ bī,” meaning “stupid c***” or “idiot,” is a highly offensive insult used to call someone incredibly foolish or incompetent.

• Example:
  • “你这个傻逼！” (Nǐ zhège shǎ bī!) – “You f***ing idiot!”
  • “开车像个傻逼！” (Kāi chē xiàng gè shǎ bī!) – “Driving like an idiot!”
• Pro Tip: This is strong and vulgar—use with caution unless you’re ready to burn bridges.

Mid-Tier Chinese Insults (Still Pack a Punch)

4. 狗日的 (Gǒu Rì De)

The “Dog F***er”

“Gǒu rì de” translates to “dog f***er” and is a classic insult in Chinese profanity. It’s used to describe someone who is despicable or has done something unforgivable.

• Example:
  • “你这个狗日的！” (Nǐ zhège gǒu rì de!) – “You damn bastard!”
  • “狗日的司机！” (Gǒu rì de sījī!) – “Damn driver!”

5. 王八蛋 (Wáng Bā Dàn)

The Timeless Classic

“Wáng bā dàn,” meaning “turtle egg” or “bastard,” is an old-school insult implying cowardice or illegitimacy.

• Example:
  • “你这个王八蛋！” (Nǐ zhège wáng bā dàn!) – “You bastard!”
  • “王八蛋，滚出去！” (Wáng bā dàn, gǔn chū qù!) – “Bastard, get out!”
• Pro Tip: This insult has a traditional flavor and is common in both heated arguments and humor.

6. 混蛋 (Hún Dàn)

The Scoundrel

“Hún dàn,” meaning “scoundrel” or “bastard,” is a versatile insult used to call someone immoral or despicable.

• Example:
  • “你是个混蛋！” (Nǐ shì gè hún dàn!) – “You’re a scoundrel!”
  • “这帮混蛋！” (Zhè bāng hún dàn!) – “These bastards!”

The Playful and Milder Swears

7. 他妈的 (Tā Mā De)

The Universal “Damn”

“Tā mā de,” meaning “his/her mother’s,” is a milder variation of “cào nǐ mā.” It’s often used as a general expletive, similar to “damn” or “s***.”

• Example:
  • “他妈的，迟到了！” (Tā mā de, chí dào le!) – “Damn it, I’m late!”
  • “这是什么他妈的东西？” (Zhè shì shénme tā mā de dōngxī?) – “What the hell is this?”

8. 白痴 (Bái Chī)

The Mild Fool

“Bái chī,” meaning “idiot” or “moron,” is a common and relatively mild insult used in everyday situations.

• Example:
  • “你是个白痴吗？” (Nǐ shì gè bái chī ma?) – “Are you an idiot?”
  • “别这么白痴！” (Bié zhème bái chī!) – “Don’t be such a fool!”

9. 滚蛋 (Gǔn Dàn)

The Polite “Get Lost”

“Gǔn dàn,” meaning “get lost” or “roll away,” is a softer way to tell someone to leave you alone.

• Example:
  • “滚蛋，我不想听！” (Gǔn dàn, wǒ bù xiǎng tīng!) – “Get lost, I don’t want to hear it!”
  • “滚蛋吧，别烦我。” (Gǔn dàn ba, bié fán wǒ.) – “Get lost, stop bothering me.”

10. 笨蛋 (Bèn Dàn)

The Lovable Fool

“Bèn dàn,” meaning “dummy” or “fool,” is a light insult often used playfully among friends or family.

• Example:
  • “你真是个笨蛋！” (Nǐ zhēn shì gè bèn dàn!) – “You’re such a dummy!”
  • “别像个笨蛋一样！” (Bié xiàng gè bèn dàn yīyàng!) – “Don’t act like a fool!”

Honorable Mentions

• 死鬼 (Sǐ Guǐ): “Dead ghost” (used jokingly).
• 猪脑子 (Zhū Nǎo Zi): “Pig brain” (for stupidity).
• 呸 (Pēi): “Spit” (a sound of disgust).

Swearing Pro Tips

1. Tone Is Key: Chinese swearing is heavily reliant on tone. A mild insult can feel playful or cutting depending on delivery.
2. Know the Context: Many of these words can escalate situations, especially stronger ones like “cào nǐ mā.”
3. Regional Variations: Swearing differs between Mandarin, Cantonese, and other dialects—be aware of local usage.

Bonus Word: “加油” (Jiā Yóu)

Not a swear word, but quintessentially Chinese, “jiā yóu” means “add oil” and is used to cheer someone on or encourage them.

• Example:
  • “比赛加油！” (Bǐ sài jiā yóu!) – “Good luck in the competition!”
  • “加油，你可以的！” (Jiā yóu, nǐ kě yǐ de!) – “You can do it!”

Conclusion

Chinese swearing is as rich and dynamic as the language itself. From the cutting brutality of “cào nǐ mā” to the playful “bèn dàn,” these words capture the intensity and humor of Chinese culture. Whether you’re venting frustration or teasing a friend, these swear words are your toolkit. Use them wisely—and 祝你好运 (good luck)!

See Also: Brazilian Swear Words: Ranked Strongest to Weakest (X-Rated)