嘲弄

• Pinyin: cháo nòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 嘲 = 口 (mouth) + 朝 (phonetic); 弄 = 王 (jade) + hands playing with it

Meaning

To mock; to ridicule; to make fun of in a contemptuous way. Stronger and meaner than simple teasing.

Carries a more malicious tone than 嘲笑. Implies contempt and intent to humiliate. Often used in contexts of bullying or cruel humor. Can describe both verbal and behavioral mockery.

Examples

1. 他用嘲弄的语气模仿同事的口音。 He imitated his colleague's accent in a mocking tone.
2. 不要嘲弄别人的缺点，这很不礼貌。 Don't ridicule others' shortcomings; it's very rude.
3. 她受够了同学们的嘲弄和歧视。 She was fed up with her classmates' mockery and discrimination.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, negative behavior

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 不要嘲弄那些比你弱的人。(Don't mock those weaker than you.)
• 他的嘲弄让她感到非常受伤。(His mockery hurt her deeply.)

Don't Say

• 我们友好地嘲弄彼此 (嘲弄 implies malice — for friendly teasing between friends, use 开玩笑 or 调侃)

Origin & History

Compound of 嘲 (to mock, ridicule) and 弄 (to play with, toy with). Together suggesting playing with someone in a mocking way.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal