赌气
duqi
To act in a fit of pique
Literally: Betting / gambling with one's breath or spirit
In 15 Seconds
- Acting stubborn or irrational out of spite or a grudge.
- Hurting yourself just to prove a point to someone else.
- Commonly used for petty arguments, silent treatments, and childish defiance.
Meaning
It describes doing something irrational or stubborn just because you are annoyed or angry with someone. It's that feeling when you skip dinner just to make your partner feel guilty.
Key Examples
3 of 6A couple arguing about dinner
他还在赌气，晚饭也不肯吃。
He's still in a fit of pique; he won't even eat dinner.
Giving advice to a stubborn friend
别跟自己赌气了，快把衣服穿上吧。
Stop being stubborn with yourself; put your coat on.
A parent talking to a rebellious child
你这样做只是在跟父母赌气。
You're only doing this to spite your parents.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Qi' (breath/energy) is central to Chinese medicine and philosophy. 'Duqi' implies you are using your precious life energy as a bargaining chip in a petty conflict, which is seen as a waste of spirit. It captures the 'face' culture where one might suffer physically rather than back down verbally.
The 'Spite' Factor
Always remember that '赌气' involves two people. You aren't just mad; you're acting in a way that you hope the other person notices.
Don't be too harsh
Calling an adult's behavior '赌气' can sound patronizing, as it implies they are being childish. Use it carefully with superiors!
In 15 Seconds
- Acting stubborn or irrational out of spite or a grudge.
- Hurting yourself just to prove a point to someone else.
- Commonly used for petty arguments, silent treatments, and childish defiance.
What It Means
赌气 is that specific kind of stubbornness born from a grudge. Imagine you're mad at a friend. Instead of talking, you refuse to wear the coat they bought you. Even if you're freezing, you won't put it on. That is 赌气. You are 'gambling' (赌) with your internal 'energy' or 'breath' (气). You're hurting yourself just to prove a point to someone else. It is emotional, irrational, and very human.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb. You can say someone is 在赌气 (in the middle of a fit). You can also say someone did something 跟自己赌气 (acting out against themselves). It often follows the person you are mad at. For example, 'Don't 跟父母赌气 (act out against your parents).' It’s a great way to call out someone’s petty behavior. Just be careful, as it implies they are being a bit childish.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is making a bad choice out of spite. It fits perfectly in romantic arguments. 'Are you not eating just because we fought?' That’s 赌气. It works with kids who refuse to do homework because they're mad. You’ll hear it in offices too. Maybe a colleague quits abruptly after a minor critique. That’s a classic 赌气 move. It’s for those 'I'll show them!' moments that backfire.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for serious, justified anger. If someone is truly grieving or rightfully protesting, calling it 赌气 is insulting. It trivializes their feelings. Avoid it in high-level formal negotiations. It’s too psychological and informal for a legal contract. Also, don't use it for accidental mistakes. It requires an intentional, spiteful choice. If you forgot your keys, you aren't 赌气. You're just forgetful.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 气 (qi) is your vital life force. To 'gamble' with your 气 is seen as very unhealthy. It suggests you are letting your emotions harm your physical well-being. There is a strong emphasis on harmony in families. 赌气 is often seen as the 'cold war' phase of a conflict. It’s the silent treatment that everyone in the room can feel. It’s considered a sign of an 'immature' heart.
Common Variations
You might hear 别赌气了 (Stop acting out). Another common one is 赌气话 (words spoken in anger). These are things you say but don't actually mean. People also say 发小脾气 (throwing a small tantrum), which is a close cousin. But 赌气 is more about the persistent, stubborn behavior that follows the initial spark of anger.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in informal or semi-formal spoken Chinese. It carries a connotation of irrationality or childishness, so avoid using it to describe people you need to show high levels of respect toward.
The 'Spite' Factor
Always remember that '赌气' involves two people. You aren't just mad; you're acting in a way that you hope the other person notices.
Don't be too harsh
Calling an adult's behavior '赌气' can sound patronizing, as it implies they are being childish. Use it carefully with superiors!
The Silent War
In China, '赌气' is often the root of 'Cold Violence' (冷暴力), which refers to the silent treatment in relationships.
Examples
6他还在赌气，晚饭也不肯吃。
He's still in a fit of pique; he won't even eat dinner.
Using 'still' (还在) shows the behavior is ongoing.
别跟自己赌气了，快把衣服穿上吧。
Stop being stubborn with yourself; put your coat on.
Focuses on how the person is hurting themselves.
你这样做只是在跟父母赌气。
You're only doing this to spite your parents.
Identifies the target of the spiteful behavior.
他辞职是因为赌气，并不是真的想走。
He resigned out of spite, not because he actually wanted to leave.
Explains the irrational motivation behind a big decision.
别赌气啦，我请你喝奶茶！
Don't be mad! I'll buy you milk tea!
A lighthearted way to break the tension.
我那时候年轻，爱赌气。
I was young back then and prone to acting out of spite.
Describes a personality trait or a phase of life.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe someone refusing to talk because they are mad.
他因为一点小事就跟我___，好几天没说话了。
While '生气' means angry, '赌气' specifically describes the stubborn behavior (not talking) that follows.
Complete the sentence to tell someone not to be stubborn.
身体是你自己的，别跟自己___。
The phrase '跟自己赌气' is a common expression meaning to hurt oneself out of spite.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '赌气'
Used with close friends or siblings.
别赌气了！
Describing a situation to others.
他在跟家里赌气。
Rarely used; too emotional for business.
N/A
When to use '赌气'
Silent Treatment
Refusing to answer texts.
Self-Harm Spite
Refusing to eat or wear a coat.
Impulse Quitting
Leaving a job after an argument.
Childish Defiance
Doing the opposite of what's asked.
Practice Bank
2 exercises他因为一点小事就跟我___，好几天没说话了。
While '生气' means angry, '赌气' specifically describes the stubborn behavior (not talking) that follows.
身体是你自己的，别跟自己___。
The phrase '跟自己赌气' is a common expression meaning to hurt oneself out of spite.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 生气 is just the feeling of being angry. 赌气 is the stubborn behavior or actions you take because of that anger.
Yes! You can say 我当时是在赌气 (I was just acting out of spite at that time) to admit you were being irrational.
Mostly, yes. It implies a lack of emotional control. However, in a cute relationship context, it can be slightly playful.
You can simply say 别赌气了 (bié dǔ qì le). It's a very common way to tell someone to stop being stubborn.
Absolutely. It is most commonly used to describe children who refuse to eat or study because they are mad at their parents.
These are 'spiteful words'—things you say just to hurt someone's feelings during an argument, even if they aren't true.
Only informally. You might tell a close colleague 别跟老板赌气 (Don't act out against the boss), but you wouldn't use it in a report.
It can, but it usually refers to the specific behavior during that grudge, like the silent treatment or refusing help.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 理智 (rational) or 通情达理 (reasonable) are the traits a person in a fit of pique is lacking.
Sometimes. If a player makes a risky, bad move just because they are frustrated with the referee, you could say they are 赌气.
Related Phrases
生气
To get angry
闹别扭
To be at odds; to have a small falling out
冷战
Cold war; silent treatment
任性
Willful; headstrong; spoiled
