() - To scold, curse, abuse verbally & to reproach harshly

Tone 4

mà | 15 strokes | radical:

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To scold, curse, abuse verbally;

to reproach harshly;

to revile.

To scold, curse, abuse verballyto reproach harshlyto revile.

Usage highlights

To curse and swearTo insult and abuseTo scold angrilyTo ridicule and scoldTo quarrel and scoldAbusive language

Synonyms

  • to blame, reproach
  • to reprimand, rebuke
  • to scold, shout at

Antonyms

  • to praise, commend
  • to compliment, laud
  • to extol, eulogize

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He scolded the child for breaking the vase (骂孩子).
  • They cursed at each other during the argument (互相辱骂).
  • The teacher reprimanded the student for being late (骂学生迟到).
  • Online trolls often spew abusive language (网络骂战).

Collocations

  • To curse and swear(咒骂)
  • To insult and abuse(辱骂)
  • To scold angrily(怒骂)
  • To ridicule and scold(笑骂)
  • To quarrel and scold(吵骂)
  • Abusive language(骂人话)

Idioms

  • Cursing while pointing at the mulberry but meaning the locust tree(指桑骂槐)
  • Cursing the street and scolding the alley(骂街骂巷)
  • Scolding the father while meaning the son(骂父骂子)
  • Cursing heaven and earth(骂天骂地)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, excessive cursing was considered uncivilized and reflected poorly on one's upbringing.
  • The character appears in many classical texts describing conflicts, arguments, and moral condemnation.
  • Modern usage extends to online contexts where '骂战' (flame wars) are common in social media and forums.

FAQ