挖苦 wāku to speak sarcastically
to speak sarcastically; to make cutting remarks
How to remember 挖苦: 挖 to dig + 苦 bitter = to speak sarcastically.
Characters
How it is used
- To speak sarcastically, make cutting remarks - 挖苦别人 (wāku biéren) mock/needle others, 挖苦话 sarcastic jabs.
- Note neutral tone ku. Verbal sarcasm meant to sting; compare 讽刺 (fěngcì, satirize/mock), which is broader and can be literary.
Example sentences
- 汤姆真会挖苦人。 Tāngmǔ zhēn huì wākǔ rén.Tom is quite sarcastic.