How to Say "Flatter" in Chinese: The Meaning and Origins of "拍马屁" (Pāimǎpì)

What Does "拍马屁" (Pāimǎpì) Mean in Chinese?

In Chinese, the most common and vivid term for "flatter" is"拍马屁" (pāimǎpì), which directly translates to "pat the horse’s buttocks." This colloquial phrase carries a negative connotation, referring to the act of excessively or insincerely praising someone—typically a person in power or authority—to gain favor, advantages, or approval. 

Unlike neutral terms for "praise," "拍马屁" implies hypocrisy, obsequiousness, or an ulterior motive.

The Historical Origin of "拍马屁" (Pāimǎpì)

The origins of "拍马屁" trace back to China’sYuan Dynasty (1271–1368), a period ruled by the Mongols, a northern nomadic people. For the Mongols, horses were central to daily life: they were essential for transportation, hunting, and warfare, and symbolized wealth and status. This cultural reverence for horses shaped social interactions and language.

Legend has it that in Mongol society, greeting others often involved gently patting the buttocks of the other person’s horseand praising it sincerely:"This is a fine horse!"

Initially, this was a genuine gesture of admiration for the horse and its owner’s good taste—a simple, respectful social custom.

Over time, however, the practice evolved. Some people began using exaggerated horse praise not out of sincerity, but tocurry favor with the horse’s owner(often a person of influence). 

The动机 (dòngjī - motive) behind the action became impure: flattery replaced genuine admiration. Thus, "拍马屁" transformed from a harmless greeting into a term describing hypocritical flattery(虚伪奉承 - xūwěi fèngchéng) and obsequious behavior (阿谀奉承 - ēyú fèngchéng).

Why "拍马屁" (Pāimǎpì) Matters for Chinese Learners

Understanding "拍马屁" is more than learning a colloquial phrase—it offers insight intoChinese culture and history. For foreign learners, it:

· Adds nuance to your vocabulary: Differentiate between sincere praise (e.g., "赞扬" - zànyáng) and insincere flattery.

· Reflects social dynamics: Highlights how language evolves to critique human behavior, especially regarding power and influence.

· Makes communication more natural: Using "拍马屁" appropriately helps convey sarcasm or criticism of obsequious behavior in daily conversations.

Key Takeaway

"拍马屁" (pāimǎpì) is the go-to term for "flatter" in Chinese, with a rich history rooted in Mongol culture and social evolution. Whether you’re learning Chinese for daily use or cultural understanding, mastering this phrase will help you navigate nuanced social interactions and express ideas about insincere praise accurately.

Now you know: To say "flatter" in Chinese, use"拍马屁" (pāimǎpì)—a vivid, historically rich term that captures the essence of insincere fawning.