8 Funny Mandarin Phrases for Foreigners

Often, the briefest way to explain yourself isn’t through the literal use of words, but rather through common phrases with deeper implications.

Adages and idioms may be confusing to a foreigner, but understanding their meanings helps you to integrate into the culture of the language and people you are surrounded by. 

We picked a few of our favorites that you might hear or want to use in your daily life.

1. Bèn niǎo xiān fēi 笨鸟先飞The dumb bird flies early
Image via Imgur

This phrase essentially has the same meaning as ‘beginner’s luck.’

Humility is a trait valued in China, but Chinese people also often love to praise their foreign friends – sometimes for accomplishing the simplest of tasks.

So, how to humbly respond when you pick up something quickly or get it right on the first try? This lightly self-deprecating and humorous response is sure to get a chuckle. 

However, be careful to make sure it’s clear you are referring to yourself, because this can also be used as an insult implying that it’s the slower people that need to start learning things earlier.

2. Rù xiāng suí sú 入乡随俗Entering the country, you must adapt to local customs
Image via K9magazine

This phrase is pretty much the same as ‘when in Rome.’

It’s fairly self-explanatory, but the next time you reluctantly try food like duck blood or chicken feet, you can use this phrase as you dig in.

3. Tuō kù zi fàng pì 脱裤子放屁Take your pants off to fartImage via Greenmatters

You use this phrase when you or someone else makes a task much more difficult or complicated than necessary.

A great example is when you try to plan a place and time to meet up with a Chinese friend to give them something, and they say “or… you could Shansong it to me.”

Your friend most likely was thinking you were trying to take your pants off just to let one rip.

4. Gōng jī xià jī dàn 公鸡下鸡蛋The rooster has to lay an egg
Image via Willowdesigns

Sorry, we just have one more toilet related phrase for you. This literally means you need to go poop. It’s a slightly less blunt way of saying you need to make a number two. 

Although it is not super common throughout China, many grandpas say this to their family or friends. So, your friends will understand the meaning and be left wondering, ‘Who the hell taught you this?!’

5. Chī guā 吃瓜Eat watermelon
Image via Sina

In many Western cultures, one might say “Break out the popcorn!”

It refers to sitting back and watching the drama unfold, as one might do when two lovers are having a quarrel, or two old ladies are battling over discounted cooking oil.

6. Jī tóng yā jiǎng 鸡同鸭讲A chicken talking to a duck
Image via Qpic

This is used to express there has been a miscommunication, especially between two people who speak different languages – a situation that arises rather often for expats.

However, this can also refer to when two people are talking about the same thing, but they are drastically failing to understand each other’s perspectives. 

7. Wā kēng 挖坑To dig a hole
Image via Qpic

This is the same as when you say you are ‘digging yourself a hole’ in English.

It is used when you try to explain yourself or fix things and you just manage to make the situation worse.

8. Hě dú zi 扯犊子To pull a calf
Image via Qpic

A similar phrase in English is to ‘pull someone’s leg’ or ‘take a piss.’ 

This phrase isn’t exactly ‘proper Mandarin.’ It comes from Dōngběi, but it has become so popular that most people throughout China will understand what you mean.

For more fun phrases, follow our WeChat official account, ThatsBeijing!

[Cover image via Chinawhisper]