傻

• Pinyin: shǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 傻 = 亻(person) + 啬 (phonetic component)

Meaning

Stupid; foolish; silly; naive.

Describes a lack of intelligence or common sense, but can range from genuinely insulting to affectionately teasing depending on context and tone. Often used playfully between friends or lovers. Can also mean naive in a charming way, as in 傻乎乎 (adorably silly).

Examples

1. 你别傻了，他明显是在骗你的钱。 Don't be stupid — he's obviously trying to scam you out of your money.
2. 她笑起来傻傻的，特别可爱。 She looks so adorably silly when she smiles.
3. 我当时太傻了，居然相信了他说的话。 I was so foolish back then — I actually believed what he said.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, casual, teasing

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你傻不傻啊？(Are you stupid or what?)
• 傻瓜，我怎么会不喜欢你呢。(Silly, how could I not like you?)

Don't Say

• 您真傻 — never use 傻 with elders or superiors; it's always disrespectful regardless of tone

Origin & History

The character contains 亻(person radical) and 啬 as phonetic component, historically referring to someone mentally slow.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal