A 'wánxiào' is a lighthearted remark or action intended to amuse or tease.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A joke or prank for amusement.
- Can be words or actions.
- Used in informal and social settings.
Overview
“玩笑”是一个常用的中文名词，指为了引起笑声或娱乐而进行的言语或行为。它涵盖了从轻松的打趣到稍微有点恶作剧的各种形式。一个好的玩笑能增进人与人之间的关系，但如果分寸掌握不好，也可能引起不适。
“玩笑”可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合。例如，“开玩笑”（动词短语，表示进行玩笑）、“玩笑话”（指玩笑性质的话）、“玩笑开大了”（表示玩笑的程度超出了可接受的范围）。它常用于描述社交互动中的轻松时刻。
在日常生活中，朋友聚会、家庭聚餐、同事之间闲聊时，人们常常会开玩笑。在一些表演艺术中，如相声、小品，玩笑更是核心元素。然而，在正式场合，如商务会议、严肃的学术讨论中，不适宜开玩笑，除非有明确的提示或场合允许。
“玩笑”与“笑话”意思相近，但“笑话”通常指一个完整的、有情节的幽默故事，而“玩笑”的范围更广，可以是即兴的、短暂的，不一定有完整的故事结构。例如，一个夸张的表情或一个善意的捉弄都可以是“玩笑”，而讲一个关于程序员的段子则是“笑话”。“戏弄”则更侧重于捉弄他人，可能带有一点点恶意，而“玩笑”通常是善意的。
Examples
他喜欢跟同事开玩笑，活跃气氛。
everydayHe likes to joke with his colleagues to liven up the atmosphere.
请注意场合，不要随便开玩笑。
formalPlease pay attention to the occasion and do not make jokes casually.
别往心里去，我跟你闹着玩呢。
informalDon't take it to heart, I'm just joking around with you.
研究表明，适度的幽默和玩笑有助于缓解压力。
academicResearch shows that moderate humor and jokes can help relieve stress.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别开玩笑了
Stop joking.
我跟你开玩笑呢
I'm just kidding with you.
这玩笑开得太过分了
This joke has gone too far.
Often Confused With
'Xiàohuà' specifically refers to a joke, typically a short story with a punchline. 'Wánxiào' is broader, encompassing any playful remark or action intended to amuse, not necessarily a structured joke.
'Xìnòng' implies teasing or making fun of someone, often with a slightly mischievous or even unkind intent. 'Wánxiào' is generally lighter and more good-natured.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'wánxiào' is widely used in everyday Chinese conversation. It's generally informal but can appear in semi-formal contexts when discussing social interactions. Be mindful of the recipient's feelings and the social setting to ensure the joke is well-received.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using 'wánxiào' in highly formal or serious situations where it might be perceived as disrespectful. Mistake 2: Not understanding the cultural context of humor, leading to jokes that don't land well or are even offensive. Mistake 3: Confusing 'wánxiào' with 'xiàohuà', using it when a specific story-like joke is meant.
Tips
Gauge Your Audience Carefully
Always consider who you are talking to. What might be funny to one person could be offensive to another.
Avoid Sensitive Topics
Steer clear of jokes about sensitive subjects like politics, religion, or personal tragedies, especially with new acquaintances.
Humor Varies Culturally
Understand that what is considered funny can differ significantly across cultures. Be mindful of cultural nuances when joking with people from different backgrounds.
Word Origin
The word 'wánxiào' (玩笑) combines 'wán' (玩), meaning 'to play', and 'xiào' (笑), meaning 'to laugh'. This composition directly reflects its meaning: playing or acting in a way that causes laughter.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, humor and lighthearted banter are important for building rapport and maintaining relationships. However, there's also a strong emphasis on respecting elders and maintaining social harmony, so jokes should generally be good-natured and avoid causing embarrassment or offense.
Memory Tip
Think of 'wánxiào' as 'wan' (wanting) to 'xiao' (laugh). You want to laugh, so you make a playful remark or action.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“开玩笑”更侧重于一种即兴的、轻松的言行，可以是短暂的打趣或小小的恶作剧。“说笑话”则通常指讲一个有完整情节的幽默故事。
在严肃的场合，比如正式会议、重要谈判、或者与不熟悉的人初次见面时，开玩笑可能显得不合时宜，甚至冒犯对方。
当玩笑让对方感到不舒服、尴尬、受伤，或者影响了正常的情绪和关系时，就可以认为“玩笑开大了”。需要根据对方的反应和场合来判断。
虽然“玩笑”通常是善意的，但如果玩笑的内容涉及侮辱、歧视，或者过于针对个人，就可能带有负面含义，甚至变成欺凌。
Test Yourself
他讲了一个关于小狗的____，逗得大家哈哈大笑。
这里指为了逗乐而说的言语，用“玩笑”比“笑话”更贴切，因为它强调的是逗乐的意图和轻松的性质。
下列哪项最能体现“玩笑”的含义？
选项B描述了一种模仿对方、意图逗乐的行为，这正是“玩笑”的典型例子。其他选项分别描述了讲故事、批评和背诵，不属于玩笑的范畴。
请用“开”、“玩笑”、“别”、“当真”这几个词语组成一个句子。
“别当真，我只是开玩笑”是最自然、最符合中文表达习惯的句子，清晰地表达了说话人意图缓和气氛，表明自己并非恶意。
Score: /3
Summary
A 'wánxiào' is a lighthearted remark or action intended to amuse or tease.
- A joke or prank for amusement.
- Can be words or actions.
- Used in informal and social settings.
Gauge Your Audience Carefully
Always consider who you are talking to. What might be funny to one person could be offensive to another.
Avoid Sensitive Topics
Steer clear of jokes about sensitive subjects like politics, religion, or personal tragedies, especially with new acquaintances.
Humor Varies Culturally
Understand that what is considered funny can differ significantly across cultures. Be mindful of cultural nuances when joking with people from different backgrounds.
Examples
4 of 4他喜欢跟同事开玩笑，活跃气氛。
He likes to joke with his colleagues to liven up the atmosphere.
请注意场合，不要随便开玩笑。
Please pay attention to the occasion and do not make jokes casually.
别往心里去，我跟你闹着玩呢。
Don't take it to heart, I'm just joking around with you.
研究表明，适度的幽默和玩笑有助于缓解压力。
Research shows that moderate humor and jokes can help relieve stress.
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.
