吐舌头
tǔ shétou
To stick out tongue
Literally: 吐 (tǔ - to spit/stick out) 舌头 (shétou - tongue)
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show playfulness or mild embarrassment after a mistake.
- Commonly used by children or young adults to look cute.
- A physical way to say 'oops' or 'my bad' informally.
Meaning
This phrase describes the physical act of sticking out your tongue, usually to show playfulness, embarrassment, or a 'whoops' moment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Realizing a small mistake
我不小心说错了话，不好意思地吐了吐舌头。
I accidentally said the wrong thing and shyly stuck out my tongue.
Teasing a sibling
妹妹对我吐舌头，然后跑开了。
My younger sister stuck her tongue out at me and then ran away.
Describing a cute photo
照片里的那个小女孩正在吐舌头，真可爱。
The little girl in the photo is sticking out her tongue, so cute.
Cultural Background
In China, sticking out the tongue is a common non-verbal cue for 'oops' or feeling sheepish. Unlike some cultures where it might be purely defiant, in a Chinese social context, it often serves to de-escalate a small mistake by appearing harmless and cute. It is a staple of 'kawaii' or 'Moé' culture influenced by broader East Asian media.
The 'Double Tu' Trick
Saying `吐了吐舌头` (tǔle tǔ shétou) sounds much more natural and 'cute' than just `吐舌头` when describing a past action.
Watch the Room
In some Western cultures, this can be an insult. In China, it's usually cute, but don't do it to elders or superiors—it looks immature.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to show playfulness or mild embarrassment after a mistake.
- Commonly used by children or young adults to look cute.
- A physical way to say 'oops' or 'my bad' informally.
What It Means
吐舌头 is more than just a physical movement. It is a visual signal for 'I made a silly mistake.' It can also mean 'I am being playful.' Think of it as the physical version of the 'stuck-out tongue' emoji. It is lighthearted and usually very cute.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone 吐了吐舌头 to describe the action. This double 吐 makes it sound even more brief and casual. It often follows a moment of realization. For example, you forget a friend's birthday and then do this. It softens the blow of a minor social blunder.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel a bit shy or embarrassed. It works great when you are teasing a close friend. If you are taking a silly selfie, this is the go-to pose. It is perfect for lighthearted, low-stakes social interactions. Use it when you want to look '萌' (méng - cute).
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a serious business meeting. Do not do this to your boss after a major error. It can come across as childish or disrespectful in formal settings. Avoid it if someone is genuinely angry with you. In those cases, it might look like you are mocking them. It is not for serious apologies.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 吐舌头 is a classic sign of 'shyness' or 'playful guilt.' It is deeply associated with the concept of being 'cute' (ke'ai). You will see it often in anime, variety shows, and stickers. It is a way to bridge the gap after a small social hiccup. It says, 'I know I messed up, don't be mad!'
Common Variations
You might hear 吐小舌头 to emphasize how cute the gesture is. People also use 做了个鬼脸 (zuòle gè guǐliǎn) which means 'made a face.' However, 吐舌头 is specifically about the tongue. In text, people just send the emoji or write the words to describe their reaction.
Usage Notes
This is a very informal expression. It is best kept for friends, family, or casual social media posts. Avoid using it in any situation where you need to maintain a professional or serious image.
The 'Double Tu' Trick
Saying `吐了吐舌头` (tǔle tǔ shétou) sounds much more natural and 'cute' than just `吐舌头` when describing a past action.
Watch the Room
In some Western cultures, this can be an insult. In China, it's usually cute, but don't do it to elders or superiors—it looks immature.
The 'Ghost Face'
If you combine `吐舌头` with widening your eyes, it becomes `做鬼脸` (making a ghost face), which is the universal sign for being a goofball.
Examples
6我不小心说错了话，不好意思地吐了吐舌头。
I accidentally said the wrong thing and shyly stuck out my tongue.
The repetition of '吐' indicates a quick, reflexive action.
妹妹对我吐舌头，然后跑开了。
My younger sister stuck her tongue out at me and then ran away.
Shows a classic playful/mischievous interaction.
照片里的那个小女孩正在吐舌头，真可爱。
The little girl in the photo is sticking out her tongue, so cute.
Focuses on the 'cute' aesthetic of the action.
我又忘了带钥匙，(吐舌头)。
I forgot my keys again, (sticks out tongue).
Used as a text-based emoticon to soften the self-criticism.
在严肃的会议上吐舌头是不礼貌的。
It is impolite to stick out your tongue in a serious meeting.
A reminder of the social boundaries of this gesture.
被老师夸奖后，她害羞地吐了吐舌头。
After being praised by the teacher, she stuck out her tongue shyly.
Shows the 'shy' aspect of the gesture.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence describing a cute mistake.
发现自己穿反了袜子，她不好意思地___了___舌头。
The phrase `吐了吐舌头` is the standard way to describe this playful reaction to a mistake.
Identify where this action is appropriate.
跟___开玩笑的时候，你可以吐舌头。
This is an informal, playful gesture best suited for close friends.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 吐舌头
With friends or partners
Teasing a friend
Minor mistakes with peers
Forgetting a pen
Formal or professional settings
During a job interview
When to use 吐舌头
Silly Selfie
Posing for a photo
Minor Blunder
Spilling a little water
Teasing
Winning a board game
Shy Reaction
Receiving a compliment
Practice Bank
2 exercises发现自己穿反了袜子，她不好意思地___了___舌头。
The phrase `吐了吐舌头` is the standard way to describe this playful reaction to a mistake.
跟___开玩笑的时候，你可以吐舌头。
This is an informal, playful gesture best suited for close friends.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no, it's seen as playful or cute. However, if done to a stranger or an elder, it can be seen as childish or slightly disrespectful.
Yes! You can write (吐舌头) or use the 😛 emoji to show you are joking or made a small mistake.
吐舌头 is specifically sticking out the tongue. 做鬼脸 is a broader term for making any funny face, though it often includes sticking out the tongue.
It is more commonly associated with women and children due to the 'cute' factor. Men might use it ironically or with very close partners/family.
You should say 我吐了吐舌头 (Wǒ tǔle tǔ shétou). The repetition makes it sound like a quick, casual gesture.
Almost never. If someone is angry, they won't stick out their tongue in this way. It's a 'soft' gesture for light emotions.
No, that would be seen as not taking the mistake seriously. Use a proper apology like 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) instead.
Not exactly a slang word, but it's a key part of 卖萌 (màiméng), which means 'acting cute on purpose.'
They are likely being mischievous or trying to get your attention in a playful way.
Yes, authors use it to describe a character's shyness or playful personality, e.g., 她俏皮地吐了吐舌头 (She playfully stuck out her tongue).
Related Phrases
做鬼脸 (zuò guǐliǎn) - To make a face
卖萌 (mài méng) - To act cute
不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) - Embarrassed / Feel shy
俏皮 (qiàopí) - Playful / Smart-aleck
