笨 (bèn) - Stupid, foolish, dull & clumsy

笨Tone 4

bèn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

笨 · bèn

Stupid, foolish, dull;

clumsy;

simple-minded;

also refers to crude or unsophisticated things.

Stupid, foolish, dullclumsysimple-minded

Usage highlights

Stupid personClumsy and heavyStupid pigStupid birdClumsy mouth and tongueStupid method

Synonyms

  • 傻— silly, foolish
  • 蠢— stupid, foolish
  • 愚— foolish, stupid
  • 呆— dull, slow-witted

Antonyms

  • 聪— clever, intelligent
  • 明— bright, smart
  • 慧— wise, intelligent
  • 灵— quick, clever

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is not stupid (笨).
  • This is a clumsy method (笨办法).
  • The suitcase is too heavy and awkward (笨重).
  • Don't play the fool (装笨).

Collocations

  • Stupid person(笨人)
  • Clumsy and heavy(笨重)
  • Stupid pig(笨猪)
  • Stupid bird(笨鸟)
  • Clumsy mouth and tongue(笨嘴拙舌)
  • Stupid method(笨办法)

Idioms

  • The clumsy bird must start flying early(笨鸟先飞)
  • Clumsy mouth and awkward tongue(笨嘴拙舌)
  • Big and clumsy(粗笨)
  • Clumsy and stupid(愚笨)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally meant the inner white layer of bamboo, later extended to mean simple, unsophisticated, and eventually took on the negative meaning of stupid.
  • In modern usage, it carries strong negative connotations and is generally avoided in names.
  • The idiom '笨鸟先飞' conveys the positive message that those with less natural talent should work harder to compensate.

FAQ