Definition
母夜叉 is a derogatory term derived from the Buddhist mythological figure 'yaksha' (夜叉), a kind of demon. When prefixed with 母 (female), it literally means 'female yaksha' and is used to describe a woman who is fierce, ugly, or ill-tempered — comparable to 'shrew' or 'vixen' in English but with a stronger supernatural or monstrous connotation. The term is rarely used in polite conversation and carries strong insulting force, similar to calling someone a witch or harpy.
n.
(derogatory) shrewvixenharpy — a fierce or mean-tempered woman
Examples
- 母夜叉，。Tā qiánqī shì ge diǎnxíng de mǔ yè chā, dòngbùdòng jiù pòkǒu dà mà.His ex-wife is a typical shrew who flies into a rage at the slightest provocation.
- 母夜叉。Zhè chū xì lǐ de huánghòu bèi sùzào chéng yí ge chīrén de mǔ yè chā.The queen in this play is portrayed as a man-eating vixen.
- 母夜叉，。Bié zài nǐ tóngshì bèihòu jiào tā mǔ yè chā, zhè tài shāng rén le.Don't call your coworker a shrew behind her back — it's too hurtful.
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