Shengqi is the standard way to express being angry or upset in daily Chinese communication.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Expresses feelings of anger or annoyance.
- Commonly used in everyday informal conversations.
- Can function as both adjective and verb.
Overview
- 1概览：生气是表达负面情绪最基础的词汇，对应英语中的angry或mad。它既可以作为形容词描述状态，也可以作为动词短语使用。2) 用法：最常见的结构是“Subject + 很/非常 + 生气”或“因/为 + 原因 + 而生气”。此外，它还可以带宾语，如“生某人的气”。3) 常见情境：常用于朋友、家人或同事之间的冲突。例如，当别人迟到或失约时，你可以说“我因为你迟到很生气”。4) 近义词辨析：与“愤怒”相比，“生气”更口语化，适合日常交流；“愤怒”则语气更重，通常用于书面语或描述强烈的敌意。另一个词“发火”则强调爆发的状态，而“生气”侧重于情绪本身。
Examples
你为什么生气？
everydayWhy are you angry?
我对他的无礼行为感到非常生气。
formalI am very angry at his rude behavior.
别生我的气啦，我下次一定准时。
informalDon't be mad at me, I'll be on time next time.
公众对该政策的调整表示生气。
academicThe public expressed anger regarding the policy adjustment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别生气
Don't be angry
气死我了
It makes me so angry (idiomatic)
消消气
Calm down
Often Confused With
This is a more formal and intense version of being angry, often used in literature or news.
This means 'unhappy' or 'not pleased,' which is a much milder expression than '生气'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Shengqi is neutral in register but leans towards informal communication. It is the most common way to describe anger in daily life. Avoid using it in highly professional or legal documents where '愤怒' might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use '对' before '生气', such as '对他生气'. While understandable, the grammatically correct structure is '生他的气'. Also, remember that '生气' is not a state of being 'mean' but a state of being 'angry'.
Tips
Use with degree adverbs
You can modify '生气' with adverbs like '很' (very) or '非常' (extremely) to express the intensity of your emotion.
Avoid direct translation of 'angry at'
Do not say '对某人生气'. Use the structure '生某人的气' instead to sound natural.
Indirect expression
In some Chinese contexts, people might use '不高兴' (not happy) as a softer, more polite way to express anger.
Word Origin
The word combines '生' (to generate) and '气' (breath/temper). Historically, it refers to the physiological reaction of breath becoming rapid or agitated when one is upset.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, expressing anger directly is sometimes considered rude or a loss of composure. Therefore, people often use '生气' to describe the feeling internally, but may mask it externally to maintain harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of '生' (to give birth to) and '气' (air/gas). When you are angry, you 'give birth to' hot, agitated air inside your chest.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions它既可以用作形容词（我很生气），也可以用作动词短语（别生我的气）。在不同句式中，其语法功能会发生灵活转换。
正确的表达方式是“生某人的气”。例如：我生他的气了，因为他骗了我。
“生气”是一种心理状态，而“发脾气”通常指将愤怒表现出来的动作，如大喊大叫。
可以，但在非常正式的文体中，可能会使用“愤怒”或“不满”来显得更加客观和严肃。
Test Yourself
他因为我忘了他的生日，所以很___。
因为忘了生日是负面事件，所以心情应该是生气。
下列哪种说法是正确的？
“生某人的气”是固定搭配。
（生气 / 别 / 他 / 的 / 生 / 气）
“别”+“生”+“他的气”是祈使句的正确语序。
Score: /3
Summary
Shengqi is the standard way to express being angry or upset in daily Chinese communication.
- Expresses feelings of anger or annoyance.
- Commonly used in everyday informal conversations.
- Can function as both adjective and verb.
Use with degree adverbs
You can modify '生气' with adverbs like '很' (very) or '非常' (extremely) to express the intensity of your emotion.
Avoid direct translation of 'angry at'
Do not say '对某人生气'. Use the structure '生某人的气' instead to sound natural.
Indirect expression
In some Chinese contexts, people might use '不高兴' (not happy) as a softer, more polite way to express anger.
Examples
4 of 4你为什么生气？
Why are you angry?
我对他的无礼行为感到非常生气。
I am very angry at his rude behavior.
别生我的气啦，我下次一定准时。
Don't be mad at me, I'll be on time next time.
公众对该政策的调整表示生气。
The public expressed anger regarding the policy adjustment.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
