Usage and Nuance
The phrase 不像话 (bù xiàng huà) is a strong expression used to describe something that is unreasonable, outrageous, or improper. It often conveys a sense of shock or disapproval about behavior, prices, attitudes, or situations that violate social norms or expectations.
Common Contexts
- Describing rude or inconsiderate behavior: e.g., someone's actions that ignore others' feelings.
- Expressing outrage at excessive or unfair prices.
- Criticizing illogical or absurd situations, such as a plot in a story.
Collocations and Patterns
- 行为不像话 (behavior is outrageous): used to criticize someone's conduct.
- 价格涨得不像话 (price increase is outrageous): used in economic or shopping contexts.
- 说话不像话 (speech is rude): used to describe impolite language.
Register and Tone
This phrase is informal and often used in spoken Chinese to express strong negative judgment. It can sound harsh, so use it carefully depending on the social context.
Common Confusion
Unlike simply saying 不合理 (unreasonable) or 离谱 (absurd), 不像话 carries a stronger emotional tone and often implies a violation of social or moral expectations, not just logical inconsistency.