疯
fēng
Crazy · trad. 瘋
疯 (fēng) primarily means 'mad' or 'insane,' often implying a loss of sanity. It can also be used informally to describe someone acting wildly or excessively, though 疯狂 (fēngkuáng) is more common for this latter sense.
When to use it
Can be quite strong and potentially offensive if referring to actual mental illness. Use with caution. 疯狂 (fēngkuáng) is often preferred for 'crazy' in the sense of wild, intense, or frantic, and is generally less offensive. For 'crazy idea' or 'crazy busy,' 疯狂 is more suitable.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like 'FUNG' (as in 'fungus' without the 'us'). It's a high, flat tone.
Other ways to say it
- 疯狂fēng kuángcrazy, wild, frantic (for actions, ideas, situations)
- 发疯fā fēngto go crazy, to lose one's mind
- 疯子fēng zǐcrazy person (can be an insult)
Examples
他疯了。
tā fēng le 。
He's crazy / He went crazy.
这个想法太疯狂了！
zhè ge xiǎng fǎ tài fēng kuáng le ！
This idea is too crazy!
别发疯了，冷静点。
bié fā fēng le ， lěng jìng diǎn 。
Don't go crazy, calm down.
Pro tip: Remember the nuance: 疯 (fēng) often implies a loss of sanity, while 疯狂 (fēngkuáng) is more about wildness, intensity, or excess. The particle 了 (le) frequently accompanies 疯 to indicate a change of state, like 'went crazy' or 'has become crazy.'
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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