三八
What does 三八 mean? 三八 is a Chinese strong that translates to “annoying woman / gossip” in English.
Literal Translation
three eight
Meaning & Usage
"annoying woman / gossip"
Refers to annoying, gossipy, or meddlesome women. References March 8th (International Women's Day) twisted into insult.
Examples in the Wild
别这么三八！(Bié zhème sānbā!) - Don't be so nosy!
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Sexist term targeting women's behavior. Implies they talk too much or interfere in others' business.
More in Chinese 🇨🇳
View all →去你的 (qù nǐ de)
“go to hell / fuck off / get lost”
Milder way to tell someone to go away.
他妈的
“fuck / damn / fucking hell”
The most common Chinese expletive. Literally 'his mother's' but used as all-purpose profanity.
操你妈
“motherfucker / fuck your mother”
The gravest insult in Mandarin. Directly attacks the target's mother sexually.
BT
“pervert / psycho / BT”
Abbreviation for 变态 (biàntài - pervert).
肏你妈 (cào nǐ mā)
“fuck your mother”
Sexual violation of the listener's mother.
狗东西 (gǒu dōng xi)
“son of a bitch / dog thing / cur”
Contemptible person; literally 'dog thing/object.'
操
“fuck”
The most vulgar verb meaning 'to fuck.' Often written with substitute character 操 (exercise) to avoid censorship.
鸭子 (yā zi)
“duck / gigolo / male prostitute”
Duck; slang for male prostitute.