คำสแลง “牛逼” (niubi) ในภาษาจีนปัจจุบัน

Abstract

        The aim of this study is three-fold. Firstly, it attempts to study word formation and levels of word usage of “牛逼” in Modern Chinese. Secondly, it explores definitions and meanings of the word “牛逼”in Modern Chinese. Thirdly, it investigates parts of speech, word functions and grammatical features of the word ““牛逼” in Modern Chinese. The linguistic method was used, and quota sampling method was employed.  Based on research validity, 40 sentences from each top 5 search engines with the highest market shares in China in 2022 were selected as targeted samples. So, the total samples were 200 sentences. The definitions and meanings together with the sentence relations in context were analyzed for investigating categories and grammatical usage. Additionally, immediate constituent analysis was employed in order to demonstrate parts of speech, word functions and grammatical features. The document analysis form was used as an instrument to collect data. The content analysis was then used to identify and interpret meaning, determine correlations, and summarize the findings. An analysis of word definitions, principles of word formation, and levels of word usage was also conducted in order to investigate the word formation and levels of word usage.

        The results revealed that “牛逼” was a compound word in the form of a subordinate phrase. It was derived from the word “牛屄”. The word “逼” is used instead of “屄” to reduce discourtesy. It is categorized as Chinese everyday use or colloquialism. “牛逼” can be used as both a noun and an adjective. When the word is performed as a noun, its meaning is a cow’s reproductive tract, and it can be used as subject, object, and attribute for showing possession. Its classifier is “个”. When it is performed as an adjective, the meaning is awesome, and it can be used as an attribute, adverb, complement and predicate. This word can be added by “了、着、过”, and formed as a negative sentence by placing “不” at the beginning of the word. Besides, it can be added “一点” at the end of the word. In addition, it can be used alone without “的”, as the suggestions of word usage since the word “牛逼” is slang. This word is not invective, yet it is an informal word for compliment used personally. This study implies that the communicators need to consider these factors and avoid word usage errors which may unintentionally affect the relationship between the senders and the receivers. Furthermore, the communicators need to consider the limitations of Thai translation since the word “awesome” cannot be used as a substitute for “牛逼” entirely.

Keywords: 牛逼, niubi, slang