English–Chinese
“fool around” in Chinese
How to say “fool around” in Chinese
“Fool around” in Chinese is 耍 (shuǎ).
Playfully handles or displays something, often for amusement rather than a practical purpose.
Example sentences with 耍
他在会议上总是耍嘴皮子，没人把他的话当真。tā zài huì yì shàng zǒng shì shuá zuǐ pí zi méi rén bǎ tā de huà dàng zhēn
At meetings, he is always talking glibly, and no one takes what he says seriously.
Tips for using 耍
- In everyday speech, the verb can sound mildly critical when it describes wasted effort or showing off, so the surrounding context determines whether the tone is light or reproachful.
Other Chinese words for “fool around”
别胡闹了！bié hú nào le
Stop fooling around!
别闹着玩儿了，认真点。bié nào zhe wánr le rèn zhēn diǎn
Stop fooling around and be serious.