不像话

• Pinyin: bù xiàng huà
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 像 = 亻+ 象 (elephant), meaning like/similar to; 话 = 讠+ 舌 (tongue), meaning speech

Meaning

Outrageous; unreasonable; too much. Expressing disapproval of unacceptable behavior.

An informal expression of strong disapproval when something exceeds acceptable bounds. Often used by parents, teachers, or authority figures criticizing behavior. Also used for situations that are ridiculous or absurd.

Examples

1. 你这样对父母说话，真是太不像话了！ Speaking to your parents like that is completely outrageous!
2. 房价涨成这样，简直不像话。 Housing prices have risen to this point — it's just ridiculous.
3. 上班时间打游戏，也太不像话了吧。 Playing games during work hours — that's way over the line.

Usage Guide

Context: criticism, disapproval, complaint

Tone: disapproving

Do Say

• 这服务态度太不像话了！(This service attitude is outrageous!)
• 你们这样做事，简直不像话。(The way you do things is just unreasonable.)

Don't Say

• 这道数学题的答案不像话。(Don't use 不像话 for incorrect answers — it's for behavior or situations)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 像话 (like reasonable speech). Literally 'doesn't sound reasonable.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal