狂⼈⽇记

鲁迅 (1918)
A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, 1918)

狂⼈⽇记 (Kuángrén Rìjì) Diary of a Madman by Lu Xun 鲁迅.

听录⾳

tonight, 今天晚上，

Good moonlight. 很好的⽉光。 ⽉光 (yuè guāng) moonlight.

I don’t see him, 我不⻅他， 不⻅ (bù jiàn) not to see; not to meet; to have
disappeared; to be missing.

It’s been over thirty years; see 已是三⼗多年;今天⻅了， 三⼗ (sān shí) thirty; 30.
you today,

e spirit is very refreshing. 精神分外爽快。 分外 (fèn wài) exceptionally; not one's responsibility or

job. 爽快 (shuǎng kuai) refreshed; rejuvenated; frank
and straightforward.

I knew that for more than 30 才知道以前的三⼗多年，

years,

It’s all faint; but be very 全是发昏;然而须⼗分小⼼。 发昏 (fā hūn) to faint.

careful.

otherwise, 不然，

at Zhao’s dog, 那赵家的狗， 家的 (jiā de) (old) wife.

Why do you look at me? 何以看我两眼呢? 何以 (hé yǐ) whence.

I’m justi ed in fear. 我怕得有理。 有理 (yǒu lǐ) reasonable; justi ed; right; (math.)
rational.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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ere is no moonlight today, 今天全没⽉光，

I know it’s bad. 我知道不妙。 不妙 (bù miào) (of a turn of events) not too
encouraging; far from good; anything but reassuring.

Go out carefully in the 早上小⼼出⻔， 出⻔ (chū mén) to go out; to leave home; to go on a

morning, journey; away from home; (of a woman) to get married.

Zhao Guiweng’s look was 赵贵翁的眼⾊便怪： 翁 (wēng) elderly man; father; father-in-law; neck
strange:
feathers of a bird (old). 眼⾊ (yǎn sè) signal made with
one's eyes; meaningful glance.

Seems afraid of me, 似乎怕我，

Seems to hurt me. 似乎想害我。

ere are seven or eight 还有七⼋个⼈，

people,

Whispering about me, 交头接耳的议论我， 交头接耳 (jiāo tóu jiē ěr) to whisper to one another's
ear.

I was afraid of seeing it again. ⼜怕我看⻅。

People along the way, ⼀路上的⼈， 路上 (lù shang) on the road; on a journey; road surface.

It’s all so. 都是如此。 如此 (rú cǐ) in this way; so.

e most erce one among 其中最凶的⼀个⼈， 凶 (xiōng) vicious; erce; ominous; inauspicious;

them,
famine; variant of 凶 (xiōng).

Mouth open, 张着嘴，

Smiled at me; I went cold 对我笑了⼀笑;我便从头直冷到脚 从头 (cóng tóu) anew; from the start. 脚跟 (jiǎo
from head to heel,
跟，
gēn) heel.

Knowing their layout, 晓得他们布置， 晓得 (xiǎo de) to know. 布置 (bù zhì) to put in order; to
arrange; to decorate; to x up; to deploy.

It’s all set. 都已妥当了。 妥当 (tuǒ dang) appropriate; proper; ready.

I am not afraid, 我可不怕， 不怕 (bù pà) fearless; not worried (by setbacks or

di culties); even if; even though.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Still go my way. 仍旧走我的路。 仍旧 (réng jiù) still (remaining); to remain (the same);
yet.

e group of children in front, 前⾯⼀伙小孩⼦， 小孩⼦ (xiǎo hái zi) child.

Talking about me there too; 也在那⾥议论我;眼⾊也同赵贵翁

the look is the same as Zhao
Guiweng, ⼀样，
His face was also pale. 脸⾊也都铁⻘。 脸⾊ (liǎn sè) complexion; look. 铁⻘ (tiě qīng) ashen.

I think I have any hatred with 我想我同小孩⼦有什么仇， 仇 (chóu) hatred; animosity; enmity; foe; enemy; to
the kid, feel animosity toward (the wealthy, foreigners etc).

He did the same. 他也这样。

Can’t help but say loudly, 忍不住⼤声说， ⼤声 (dà shēng) loud voice; in a loud voice; loudly.

“You tell me!” ey ran away. “你告诉我!”他们可就跑了。 可就 (kě jiù) certainly.

I think: 我想：

What hate do I have with Zhao 我同赵贵翁有什么仇，

Guiweng,

What hatred do people on the
same road have; only twenty
years ago,
Write down Mr. Gu Jiu’s aging
book,
同路上的⼈⼜有什么仇;只有廿年 廿 (niàn) twenty (20), in a limited number of set
expressions; also written using banker's character 念.
以前，
把古久先⽣的陈年流⽔簿⼦， 陈年 (chén nián) old; stored for many years. 流⽔ (liú
shuǐ) running water; (business) turnover. 簿⼦ (bù
zi) notebook; book.

Kicked, 踹了⼀脚， 踹 (chuài) to kick; to trample; to tread on.

Mr. Gu Jiu was very upset. 古久先⽣很不⾼兴。

Although Zhao Guiweng did 赵贵翁虽然不认识他，

not know him,

I must have heard the wind, ⼀定也听到⻛声， 听到 (tīng dào) to hear. ⻛声 (fēng shēng) sound of the
wind; rumor; talk; news; reputation.

On behalf of the injustice; 代抱不平;约定路上的⼈， 抱不平 (bào bù píng) to be outraged by an injustice. 约

agreed upon the people on the
定 (yuē dìng) to agree on sth (a er discussion); to
road,
conclude a bargain; to arrange; to promise; to stipulate;
to make an appointment; stipulated (time, amount,
quality etc); an arrangement; a deal; appointment;
undertaking; commitment; understanding;
engagement; stipulation.

Fight against me. 同我作冤对。 冤 (yuān) injustice; grievance; wrong.

But what about kids? At that 但是小孩⼦呢?那时候， 那时候 (nà shí hou) at that time.
time,

ey are not yet born, 他们还没有出世， 出世 (chū shì) to be born; to come into being; to
withdraw from worldly a airs.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Why do we have strange eyes 何以今天也睁着怪眼睛，
open today,

Seems afraid of me, 似乎怕我，

Seems to hurt me. 似乎想害我。

is really teaches me to be 这真教我怕，

afraid,

Teach me to be nahan and sad. 教我纳罕而且伤⼼。 纳罕 (nà hǎn) bewildered; amazed.

I understand. 我明⽩了。

is is what their mother 这是他们娘⽼⼦教的! ⽼⼦ (lǎo zǐ) Laozi or Lao-tze (c. 500 BC), Chinese
taught! philosopher, the founder of Taoism; the sacred book of

Daoism, 道德经 by Laozi.

I can’t sleep at night. 晚上总是睡不着。 不着 (bù zháo) no need; need not.

Everything needs to be 凡事须得研究， 凡事 (fán shì) everything.

studied,

Will understand. 才会明⽩。

they-- 他们

ere have also been ailed 也有给知县打枷过的， 知县 (zhī xiàn) county head magistrate
prefects,
(old). 枷 (jiā) cangue (wooden collar like stocks used to
restrain and punish criminals in China).

ere are also those who give 也有给绅⼠掌过嘴的， 绅⼠ (shēn shì) gentleman.

gentlemen a hand,

ere were also government 也有衙役占了他妻⼦的， 衙役 (yá yì) baili of feudal yamen.

o cials who took possession
of his wife,

ere are also Lao Ziniang 也有⽼⼦娘被债主逼死的;他们那 债主 (zhài zhǔ) creditor. 逼死 (bī sǐ) to hound sb to
who were forced to death by
时候的脸⾊，
death.
creditors; their faces at that
time,

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 I’m not as scared as yesterday, 全没有昨天这么怕，

It’s not so erce. 也没有这么凶。

e strangest thing is the 最奇怪的是昨天街上的那个⼥ 街上 (jiē shang) on the street; in town.

woman on the street
yesterday, ⼈，
Beat his son, 打他⼉⼦，

Said in his mouth, 嘴⾥说道， 嘴⾥ (zuǐ lǐ) mouth; in the mouth; on one's lips; speech;
words. 说道 (shuō dào) to state; to say (the quoted
words).

“Lao Tzu! I have to bite you “⽼⼦呀!我要咬你⼏口才出⽓!” 口才 (kǒu cái) eloquence. 出⽓ (chū qì) to give vent to
before I vent!” He looked at
他眼睛却看着我。
anger.
me with his eyes.

I was taken aback, 我出了⼀惊，

Can’t hide; the gang with blue
faces and fangs,
遮掩不住;那⻘⾯獠⽛的⼀伙⼈， 遮掩 (zhē yǎn) to cover; to mask; to cover up or conceal
(the truth etc). 不住 (bù zhù) repeatedly; continuously;
constantly; unable to (resist, conceal etc). ⻘⾯獠
⽛ (qīng miàn liáo yá) ferocious-looking (idiom).

ey all laughed. 便都哄笑起来。 哄笑 (hōng xiào) to roar with laughter; hoots of

laughter; gu aw.

Chen Laowu caught up, 陈⽼五赶上前， 陈 (chén) surname Chen; vassal state during the Spring
and Autumn Period 770-475 BC; Chen of the Southern

dynasties (557-589). 上前 (shàng qián) to advance; to

step forward.

He dragged me home. 硬把我拖回家中了。 拖 (tuō) to drag; to tow; to trail; to hang down; to mop
(the oor); to delay; to drag on. 回家 (huí jiā) to return
home.

Drag me home, 拖我回家，

Everyone in the family 家⾥的⼈都装作不认识我;他们的 家⾥ (jiā lǐ) home. 装作 (zhuāng zuò) to pretend; to

pretended not to know me;
眼⾊，
feign; to act a part.
their winks,

Also all the same as others. 也全同别⼈⼀样。 全同 (quán tóng) identical.

Into the study, 进了书房， 书房 (shū fáng) study (room); studio.

He buckled the door, 便反扣上⻔， 扣 (kòu) to fasten; to button; button; buckle; knot; to
arrest; to con scate; to deduct (money); discount; to
knock; to smash, spike or dunk (a ball); to cover (with a

bowl etc); g. to tag a label on sb. 上⻔ (shàng mén) to

drop in; to visit; to lock a door; (of a shop) to close; to
go and live with one's wife's family, in e ect becoming a
member of her family.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Turns o a chicken and duck. 宛然是关了⼀只鸡鸭。 宛然 (wǎn rán) as if; just like.

is matter, 这⼀件事，

e more I teach, I can’t guess 越教我猜不出底细。 底细 (dǐ xì) inside information; the ins and outs of the
the details. matter; how things stand; what's up.

some days ago, 前⼏天， 前⼏天 (qián jǐ tiān) a few days before.

Tenants from Langzi Village 狼⼦村的佃⼾来告荒， 佃⼾ (diàn hù) tenant farmer. 荒 (huāng) desolate;

came to report the famine, shortage; scarce; out of practice; absurd; uncultivated;
to neglect.

Said to my elder brother, 对我⼤哥说， ⼤哥 (dà gē) eldest brother; big brother (polite address
for a man of about the same age as oneself ); gang
leader; boss.

A big villain in their village, 他们村⾥的⼀个⼤恶⼈， 村⾥ (cūn lǐ) village; hamlet. 恶⼈ (è rén) evil person;
vile creature; ugly man.

I beat everyone to death; a few 给⼤家打死了;⼏个⼈便挖出他的 打死 (dǎ sǐ) to kill; to beat to death. 挖 (wā) to dig; to
people dug out his heart,
⼼肝来， excavate; to scoop out. ⼼肝 (xīn gān) darling; (in
negative sentences) heart; humanity.

Fried and eaten, ⽤油煎炒了吃， 煎炒 (jiān chǎo) to lightly fry.

Can be bold. 可以壮壮胆⼦。 壮 (zhuàng) Zhuang ethnic group of Guangxi, the

PRC's second most numerous ethnic group. 胆⼦ (dǎn
zi) courage; nerve; guts.

I cut in, 我插了⼀句嘴，

Both the tenant tenant and the 佃⼾和⼤哥便都看我⼏眼。

eldest brother looked at me.

I just realized their vision 今天才晓得他们的眼光， 眼光 (yǎn guāng) gaze; insight; foresight; vision; way of
today, looking at things.

It was exactly the same as the 全同外⾯的那伙⼈⼀模⼀样。 ⼀模⼀样 (yī mú yī yàng) exactly the same (idiom);
crowd outside. carbon copy; also pr. (yī mó yī yàng).

ink of it, 想起来， 想起来 (xiǎng qi lai) to remember; to recall.

I was cold from the top to the 我从顶上直冷到脚跟。 顶上 (dǐng shàng) on top of; at the summit.
heel.

ey can eat people, 他们会吃⼈， 吃⼈ (chī rén) exploitative; oppressive.

May not eat me. 就未必不会吃我。

Look at the woman’s words of 你看那⼥⼈“咬你⼏口”的话，

“bite you”,

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 And a group of green-faced 和⼀伙⻘⾯獠⽛⼈的笑，
fangs laughed,

And the tenants the day before 和前天佃⼾的话， 前天 (qián tiān) the day before yesterday.
yesterday,

Obviously it is a secret sign. 明明是暗号。 明明 (míng míng) obviously; plainly; undoubtedly;

de nitely. 暗号 (àn hào) secret signal (sign);
countersign; password.

I can see that his words are all 我看出他话中全是毒， 看出 (kàn chū) to make out; to see.
poisonous,

All smiles are knives. 笑中全是⼑。

eir teeth, 他们的⽛⻮，

It’s all lined up sharply, 全是⽩厉厉的排着，

is is the cannibal. 这就是吃⼈的家伙。 家伙 (jiā huo) household dish, implement or furniture;

domestic animal; (coll.) guy; chap; weapon.

As I think, 照我⾃⼰想，

Although not a villain, 虽然不是恶⼈，

Since kicking the ancient ⾃从踹了古家的簿⼦，

book,

It’s hard to say. 可就难说了。

ey seem to be out of mind, 他们似乎别有⼼思， 别有 (bié yǒu) to have other...; to have a special .... ⼼
思 (xīn si) mind; thoughts; inclination; mood.

I can’t guess at all. 我全猜不出。

Besides, they turned their 况且他们⼀翻脸， 况且 (kuàng qiě) moreover; besides; in addition;

faces,
furthermore. 翻脸 (fān liǎn) to fall out with sb; to
become hostile.

It is said that people are evil. 便说⼈是恶⼈。

I still remember that my eldest 我还记得⼤哥教我做论，

brother taught me to talk,

No matter how good people ⽆论怎样好⼈，

are,

Turn him a few words, 翻他⼏句，

He made a few circles; forgive 他便打上⼏个圈;原谅坏⼈⼏句， ⼏个 (jǐ ge) a few; several; how many. 坏⼈ (huài
the bad guys, rén) bad person; villain.

He said, “Heaven-shaking 他便说“翻天妙⼿， 妙⼿ (miào shǒu) miraculous hands of a healer; highly

hands,
skilled person; brilliant move in chess or weiqi (go) 围
棋.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Be di erent”. 与众不同”。 与众不同 (yǔ zhòng bù tóng) to stand out from the
masses (idiom).

I can guess their thoughts, 我那⾥猜得到他们的⼼思，

How about it; besides, it’s time 究竟怎样;况且是要吃的时候。

to eat.

Everything must be studied, 凡事总须研究，

Will understand. 才会明⽩。

Since ancient times, people 古来时常吃⼈， 古来 (gǔ lái) since ancient times; it has ever been the
o en eat people,
case that; see also ⾃古以来 (zì gǔ yǐ lái). 时常 (shí
cháng) o en; frequently.

I also remember, 我也还记得，

But it is not very clear. 可是不甚清楚。

I look up the history, 我翻开历史⼀查， 翻开 (fān kāi) to open up.

ere is no age in this history, 这历史没有年代，

e words “Benevolence, 歪歪斜斜的每叶上都写着“仁义 歪歪斜斜 (wāi wāi xié xié) shuddering; trembling; a

Righteousness and Morality”
are written on each leaf of 道德”⼏个字。 trembling scrawl (of handwriting). 上都 (shàng
Waiwaixie. dū) Shangdu, also known as Xanadu, summer capital of

the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). 仁义道德 (rén yì dào

dé) compassion, duty, propriety and integrity (idiom);
all the traditional virtues; mainly used sarcastically, to
mean hypocritical.

I can’t sleep anyway, 我横竖睡不着， 横竖 (héng shu) anyway.

Looked carefully at midnight, 仔细看了半夜，

I can see the words from the 才从字缝⾥看出字来， 缝 (fèng) seam; crack; narrow slit.
cracks,

ere are two words written 满本都写着两个字是“吃⼈”!

in the book as “cannibalism”!

ere are many words written 书上写着这许多字，

in the book,

e tenants said many things, 佃⼾说了这许多话，

ey all smiled and looked at 却都笑吟吟的睁着怪眼睛看我。 笑吟吟 (xiào yín yín) smiling; with a smile.
me with strange eyes open.

I am also human, 我也是⼈，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 ey want to eat me! 他们想要吃我了!

morning, 早上，

I sat quietly for a while. 我静坐了⼀会。 静坐 (jìng zuò) to sit quietly; to meditate; to stage a sit-
in. ⼀会 (yī huì) a moment; a while; in a moment; also
pr. (yī huǐ).

Chen Laowu brought in rice, 陈⽼五送进饭来，

A bowl of dishes, ⼀碗菜，

A bowl of steamed sh; the ⼀碗蒸⻥;这⻥的眼睛， 蒸 (zhēng) to evaporate; (of cooking) to steam; torch
eyes of this sh, made from hemp stalks or bamboo (old); nely
chopped rewood (old).

White and hard, ⽩而且硬，

Mouth open, 张着嘴，

Same as the group of people 同那⼀伙想吃⼈的⼈⼀样。

who want to eat people.

Ate a few chopsticks, 吃了⼏筷，

I don’t know if the slippery is a 滑溜溜的不知是⻥是⼈， 滑溜溜 (huá liū liū) smooth; slick; slippery; glossy.
sh or a person,

So he vomited out. 便把他兜肚连肠的吐出。 兜肚 (dōu du) undergarment covering the chest and

abdomen. 肠 (cháng) intestines.

I said “the h, 我说“⽼五，

Said to brother, 对⼤哥说，

I’m so bored, 我闷得慌， 闷 (mèn) bored; depressed; melancholy; sealed;

airtight; tightly closed.

ink of walking in the 想到园⾥走走。” 想到 (xiǎng dào) to think of; to call to mind; to
garden. ” anticipate.

e h child did not agree, ⽼五不答应，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Stopped for a while, 走了停⼀会，

But he came and opened the 可就来开了⻔。

door.

I don’t move, 我也不动， 不动 (bù dòng) motionless.

Study how they manipulate 研究他们如何摆布我;知道他们⼀ 摆布 (bǎi bù) to arrange; to order about; to manipulate.
me; knowing that they will
not relax. 定不肯放松。
Sure enough! My elder 果然!我⼤哥引了⼀个⽼头⼦， ⽼头⼦ (lǎo tóu zi) (coll.) old man; (said of an aging
brother attracted an old man, husband) my old man.

Walk slowly; his eyes are 慢慢走来;他满眼凶光， 慢慢 (màn màn) slowly. 满眼 (mǎn yǎn) (of tears etc)
erce, lling the eyes; (of scenery etc) lling one's eld of

view. 凶光 (xiōng guāng) ominous glint.

Afraid I could see, 怕我看出，

Just bowed to the ground, 只是低头向着地， 低头 (dī tóu) to bow the head; to yield; to give in. 着
地 (zháo dì) to land; to touch the ground; also pr. (zhuó
dì).

Look at me secretly from the 从眼镜横边暗暗看我。 边 (biān) side; edge; margin; border; boundary;
side of the glasses. simultaneously.

Big brother said, ⼤哥说，

“You seem to be ne today.” “今天你仿佛很好。”

I say yes.” 我说“是的。” 是的 (shì de) yes, that's right; variant of 似的 (shì de).

Big brother said, ⼤哥说，

“Invite Mr. He to come today, “今天请何先⽣来，

Give you a consultation. ” 给你诊⼀诊。”

I said “Yes!” In fact, I didn’t
know that this old man was
dressed as an executioner! I
just borrowed the name
Kanmai,
我说“可以!”其实我岂不知道这 岂不 (qǐ bù) how couldn't...?; wouldn't it...?. 刽⼦
⼿ (guì zi shǒu) executioner; headsman; slaughterer;
⽼头⼦是刽⼦⼿扮的!⽆⾮借了看
脉这名⽬，
g. indiscriminate murderer. ⽆⾮ (wú fēi) only;
nothing else. 脉 (mài) arteries and veins; vein (on a leaf,
insect wing etc). 名⽬ (míng mù) name; designation;
item; rubric; (formal usage) fame.

Try to gure out the fatness: 揣⼀揣肥瘠： 揣 (chuāi) to put into (one's pockets, clothes); Taiwan
pr. (chuǎi). 肥 (féi) fat; fertile; loose- tting or large; to
fertilize; to become rich by illegal means; fertilizer;

manure. 瘠 (jí) barren; lean.

For this credit, 因这功劳， 功劳 (gōng láo) contribution; meritorious service;

credit.

Also eat a piece of meat. 也分⼀⽚⾁吃。

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 I’m not afraid; although I 我也不怕;虽然不吃⼈，
don’t eat people,

Courage is stronger than 胆⼦却⽐他们还壮。

them.

Stretched out two sts, 伸出两个拳头， 伸出 (shēn chū) to extend. 拳头 (quán tou)  st;
clenched st; competitive (product).

See how he starts. 看他如何下⼿。 下⼿ (xià shǒu) to start; to put one's hand to; to set
about; the seat to the right of the main guest.

e old man is sitting, ⽼头⼦坐着，

Closed his eyes, 闭了眼睛，

A er touching it for a while, 摸了好⼀会，

Stayed for a while; he opened 呆了好⼀会;便张开他⻤眼睛说， 张开 (zhāng kāi) to open up; to spread; to extend.
his ghost eyes and said,

“Don’t think about it. “不要乱想。

Raise quietly for a few days, 静静的养⼏天， ⼏天 (jǐ tiān) several days.

Enough. ” 就好了。”

Don’t think about it, 不要乱想，

Nourish quietly! Fatten up, 静静的养!养肥了，

ey can naturally eat more; 他们是⾃然可以多吃;我有什么好

what good do I have,
处，
How could it be “always”? 怎么会“好了”?他们这群⼈，
ey group of people,

Want to eat people again, ⼜想吃⼈，

It’s sneaky again, ⼜是⻤⻤祟祟， ⻤⻤祟祟 (guǐ guǐ suì suì) sneaky; secretive; furtive.

e idea is hidden, 想法⼦遮掩， 想法 (xiǎng fǎ) way of thinking; opinion; notion; to

think of a way (to do sth).

Not daring to start directly, 不敢直捷下⼿， 直捷 (zhí jié) straightforward.

It really made me laugh. 真要令我笑死。

I can not hold it in, 我忍不住，

en he burst into laughter, 便放声⼤笑起来， 放声 (fàng shēng) very loudly; at the top of one's
voice. ⼤笑 (dà xiào) to laugh heartily; a belly laugh.

Very happy. ⼗分快活。 快活 (kuài huo) happy; cheerful.

I know that in this laughter, ⾃⼰晓得这笑声⾥⾯， 笑声 (xiào shēng) laughter.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Some are righteousness and 有的是义勇和正⽓。 有的是 (yǒu de shì) have plenty of; there's no lack of. 义
righteousness.
勇 (yì yǒng) courageous; righteous and courageous. 正
⽓ (zhèng qì) healthy environment; healthy
atmosphere; righteousness; vital energy (in Chinese
medicine).

Old man and big brother, ⽼头⼦和⼤哥，

All faded, 都失了⾊，

Suppressed by my courage 被我这勇⽓正⽓镇压住了。 镇压 (zhèn yā) suppression; repression; to suppress; to

and righteousness. put down; to quell.

But I have the courage, 但是我有勇⽓，

e more they want to eat me, 他们便越想吃我，

Take advantage of this 沾光⼀点这勇⽓。 沾光 (zhān guāng) to bask in the light; g. to bene t
courage. from association with sb or sth; re ected glory.

e old man stepped out, ⽼头⼦跨出⻔， 跨 (kuà) to step across; to stride over; to straddle; to
span.

Not far, 走不多远，

He whispered to elder brother, 便低声对⼤哥说道， 低声 (dī shēng) in a low voice; so ly.

“Hurry up and eat!” Big “赶紧吃罢!”⼤哥点点头。 罢 (bà) to stop; to cease; to dismiss; to suspend; to quit;
brother nodded.
to nish. 点点 (diǎn diǎn) point; speck.

So there are you too! See you 原来也有你!这⼀件⼤发⻅， ⼤发 (dà fā) Daihatsu, Japanese car company.
on this big post,

Although it seems 虽似意外， 似 (sì) to seem; to appear; to resemble; similar; -like;

unexpected, pseudo-; (more) than.

Also in mind: 也在意中： 在意 (zài yì) to care about; to mind.

e people who eat me in 合伙吃我的⼈， 合伙 (hé huǒ) to act jointly; to form a partnership.
partnership,

It’s my brother! 便是我的哥哥! 便是 (biàn shì) (emphasizes that sth is precisely or

exactly as stated); precisely; exactly; even; if; just like;
in the same way as.

e cannibal is my brother! 吃⼈的是我哥哥!

I am the brother of the 我是吃⼈的⼈的兄弟!

cannibal!

I was eaten myself, 我⾃⼰被⼈吃了，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O
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 But still the brother of the 可仍然是吃⼈的⼈的兄弟!
cannibal!

ese few days are to take a 这⼏天是退⼀步想： 这⼏天 (zhè jǐ tiān) the past few days.
step back and think:

If the old man wasn’t an 假使那⽼头⼦不是刽⼦⼿扮的， 假使 (jiǎ shǐ) if; in case; suppose; given ....
executioner,

Really a doctor, 真是医⽣， 真是 (zhēn shi) indeed; truly; (coll.) (used to express

disapproval, annoyance etc about sth).

Still a cannibal. 也仍然是吃⼈的⼈。

eir ancestor Li Shizhen
made the “Materia Medica”,
他们的祖师李时珍做的“本草什 祖师 (zǔ shī) founder (of a cra , religious sect etc). 李
时珍 (lǐ shí zhēn) Li Shizhen (1518-1593), Ming
么”上，
botanist and pharmacologist, author of Compendium of

Medical Herbs 本草纲⽬ (běn cǎo gāng mù). 本草 (běn

cǎo) a book on Chinese (herbal) medicine; Chinese
materia medica.

It clearly says that human esh
can be fried and eaten; can he
still say that he does not eat
humans?
明明写着⼈⾁可以煎吃;他还能说 ⼈⾁ (rén ròu) to crowdsource information about sb or
sth (abbr. for ⼈⾁搜索 (rén ròu sōu suǒ)); human
⾃⼰不吃⼈么?
(used attributively, as in ⼈⾁盾牌 (rén ròu dùn pái),
human shield).

As for my eldest brother, ⾄于我家⼤哥，

He was not wronged either. 也毫不冤枉他。 毫不 (háo bù) hardly; not in the least; not at all. 冤
枉 (yuān wang) to accuse wrongly; to treat unjustly;
injustice; wronged; not worthwhile.

When he taught me a book, 他对我讲书的时候，

I personally said that I can 亲口说过可以“易⼦而⻝”;⼜⼀ 亲口 (qīn kǒu) one's own mouth; g. in one's own
“ease the child and eat”; once
回偶然议论起⼀个不好的⼈，
words; to say sth personally.
again I accidentally talked
about a bad person,

He said not only that he 他便说不但该杀， 不但 (bù dàn) not only (... but also...).
should be killed,

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 It’s also a “meat-eater”. 还当“⻝⾁寝⽪”。 ⻝⾁寝⽪ (shí ròu qǐn pí) to eat sb's esh and sleep on
their hide (idiom); to swear revenge on sb; implacable
hatred; to have sb's guts for garters.

I was still young, 我那时年纪还小， 那时 (nà shí) then; at that time; in those days.

e heart beat for a long time. ⼼跳了好半天。 ⼼跳 (xīn tiào) heartbeat; pulse. 好半天 (hǎo bàn
tiān) most of the day.

Tenant tenants in Tianlangzi 前天狼⼦村佃⼾来说吃⼼肝的

Village said that they were
heartbroken, 事，
He is not surprised either, 他也毫不奇怪，

Nodded unceasingly. 不住的点头。 点头 (diǎn tóu) to nod.

It can be seen that the mind is 可⻅⼼思是同从前⼀样狠。 狠 (hěn) ruthless; erce; ferocious; determined; to
as ruthless as before.
harden (one's heart); old variant of 很 (hěn).

Since it is possible to “ease 既然可以“易⼦而⻝”，

children and eat”,

Everything is easy to get, 便什么都易得，

Anyone can eat it. 什么⼈都吃得。 什么⼈ (shén me rén) who?; what (kind of ) person?.

I used to listen to his reasoning 我从前单听他讲道理，

alone,

Also foolishly past; now I 也胡涂过去;现在晓得他讲道理的 胡涂 (hú tu) variant of 糊涂 (hú tu), confused,
know when he is reasonable,
时候， muddle. 过去 (guò qu) (verb su x).

Not only the lips are smeared 不但唇边还抹着⼈油， 唇 (chún) variant of 唇 (chún). 抹 (mǒ) to smear; to
with oil, wipe; to erase; classi er for wisps of cloud, light-beams
etc.

And my heart is full of 而且⼼⾥满装着吃⼈的意思。

cannibalism.

Dark, ⿊漆漆的， 漆 (qī) paint; lacquer; to paint (furniture, walls etc).

I don’t know if it is day or 不知是⽇是夜。 是⽇ (shì rì) (formal) this day; that day.
night.

Zhao’s dog barked again. 赵家的狗⼜叫起来了。

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 A erce heart like a lion, 狮⼦似的凶⼼， 狮⼦ (shī zǐ) Leo (star sign); Shihtzu township in
Pingtung County 屏东县 (píng dōng xiàn), Taiwan.

e weakness of the rabbit, 兔⼦的怯弱， 怯弱 (qiè ruò) timid; weak.

e cunning of the fox,... 狐狸的狡猾，…… 狐狸 (hú li) fox; g. sly and treacherous person.

I know their methods, 我晓得他们的⽅法，

Directly killed, 直捷杀了，

Is unwilling, 是不肯的，

And not dare, 而且也不敢，

Afraid of trouble. 怕有祸祟。 祸 (huò) disaster; misfortune; calamity. 祟 (suì) evil

spirit.

So they all contacted, 所以他们⼤家连络， 连络 (lián luò) variant of 联络 (lián luò), contact.

Full of snares, 布满了罗⽹， 布满 (bù mǎn) to be covered with; to be lled with. 罗

⽹ (luó wǎng) net; shing net; bird net.

Force me to suicide. 逼我⾃戕。 逼 (bī) to force (sb to do sth); to compel; to press for; to
extort; to press on towards; to press up to; to close in

on; euphemistic variant of 屄 (bī). ⾃戕 (zì

qiāng) commit suicide.

Let’s see what the men and 试看前⼏天街上男⼥的样⼦， 男⼥ (nán nǚ) male-female; male and female.
women looked like on the
street a few days ago,

And what my elder brother 和这⼏天我⼤哥的作为，

has done these days,

It is enough to realize eight or 便⾜可悟出⼋九分了。 悟 (wù) to comprehend; to apprehend; to become

nine points. aware.

It’s best to take o the belt, 最好是解下腰带， 腰带 (yāo dài) belt.

Hung on the beam, 挂在梁上， 梁 (liáng) roof beam.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Strangling themselves to
death; they were not charged
with murder,
⾃⼰紧紧勒死;他们没有杀⼈的罪 紧紧 (jǐn jǐn) closely; tightly. 勒死 (lēi sǐ) to strangle. 杀
⼈ (shā rén) homicide; to murder; to kill (a person). 罪
名，
名 (zuì míng) criminal charge; accusation.

Wish again, ⼜偿了⼼愿， ⼼愿 (xīn yuàn) cherished desire; dream; craving; wish;

aspiration.

Naturally, there was a ⾃然都欢天喜地的发出⼀种呜呜 欢天喜地 (huān tiān xǐ dì) delighted; with great joy; in
whimpering laughter happily.
咽咽的笑声。 high spirits. 发出 (fā chū) to issue (an order, decree
etc); to send out; to dispatch; to produce (a sound); to

let out (a laugh). 呜呜 (wū wū) (interj) boo

hoo. 咽 (yàn) to swallow.

Otherwise, I’m scared and 否则惊吓忧愁死了， 惊吓 (jīng xià) to frighten; to horrify; to terrify. 忧
sad,
愁 (yōu chóu) to be worried.

Although slightly thin, 虽则略瘦， 虽则 (suī zé) nevertheless; although.

You can also give a few 也还可以⾸肯⼏下。 ⾸肯 (shǒu kěn) to give a nod of approval.
approvals.

ey can only eat dead meat! 他们是只会吃死⾁的!

Remember what the book 记得什么书上说，

said,

ere is something, 有⼀种东西，

Called “Hai Yina”, 叫“海⼄那”的， ⼄ (zhé) turning stroke (in Chinese characters); see also
折 (zhé).

Looks and looks are ugly; 眼光和样⼦都很难看;时常吃死 难看 (nán kàn) ugly; unsightly.

o en eat dead meat,
⾁，
Even huge bones, 连极⼤的⻣头， 极⼤ (jí dà) maximum; enormous.

All chewed, 都细细嚼烂， 嚼 (jiáo) to chew; also pr. (jué).

Swallow your stomach, 咽下肚⼦去， 咽下 (yàn xià) to swallow; to suppress.

inking of it also scares 想起来也教⼈害怕。

people.

“Hai Yina” is a relative of the “海⼄那”是狼的亲眷， 亲眷 (qīn juàn) relatives.

wolf,

e wolf is the home of the 狼是狗的本家。 本家 (běn jiā) a member of the same clan; a distant
dog. relative with the same family name.

Zhao’s dog the day before 前天赵家的狗，

yesterday,

Look at me, 看我⼏眼，

It can be seen that he is also 可⻅他也同谋， 同谋 (tóng móu) to conspire with sb; to plot; a
complicit, conspirator; a partner in crime; an accomplice.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Already approached. 早已接洽。 早已 (zǎo yǐ) long ago; for a long time. 接洽 (jiē qià) to
discuss a matter with sb; to get in touch with; to
arrange.

e old man looked at the ⽼头⼦眼看着地， 眼看 (yǎn kàn) soon; in a moment; to look on as sth
ground, happens.

How can I hide it from me. 岂能瞒得我过。 岂 (kǎi) how? (emphatic question). 瞒 (mán) to conceal
from; to keep (sb) in the dark.

e poorest is my elder 最可怜的是我的⼤哥，

brother,

He is also human, 他也是⼈，

Why don’t you be afraid; and 何以毫不害怕;而且合伙吃我呢?还 历来 (lì lái) always; throughout (a period of time); (of )
do you eat me in partnership?
是历来惯了，
all-time.
Still used to it,

Don’t think it’s wrong? Or lose 不以为⾮呢?还是丧了良⼼， 丧 (sàng) to lose sth abstract but important (courage,
your conscience, authority, one's life etc); to be bereaved of (one's spouse

etc); to die; disappointed; discouraged. 良⼼ (liáng

xīn) conscience.

Knowingly commit it? 明知故犯呢? 明知故犯 (míng zhī gù fàn) deliberate violation

(idiom); intentional crime.

I curse cannibals, 我诅咒吃⼈的⼈， 诅咒 (zǔ zhòu) to curse.

Start with him rst; to 先从他起头;要劝转吃⼈的⼈， 起头 (qǐ tóu) to start; at rst; beginning.
persuade the cannibals,

Also start with him rst. 也先从他下⼿。

In fact, this truth, 其实这种道理，

Up to now, 到了现在，

ey should have understood 他们也该早已懂得，…… 懂得 (dǒng de) to understand; to know; to

that... comprehend.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Suddenly someone came; he 忽然来了⼀个⼈;年纪不过⼆⼗左 ⼆⼗ (èr shí) twenty; 20.
was only about twenty years
old, 右，
e appearance is not very 相貌是不很看得清楚， 相貌 (xiàng mào) appearance. 不很 (bù hěn) not very.
clear,

All smiles, 满⾯笑容， 满⾯ (mǎn miàn) across one's whole face; (smiling)

from ear to ear. 笑容 (xiào róng) smile; smiling
expression.

By the way, I nodded, 对了我点头， 对了 (duì le) Correct!; Oh, that's right, ... (when one
suddenly remembers sth one wanted to mention); Oh,
by the way, ....

His smile did not look like a 他的笑也不像真笑。

real smile.

I asked him, 我便问他，

“Cannibalism, “吃⼈的事，

Right?” He still smiled and 对么?”他仍然笑着说，

said.

“Not a famine year, “不是荒年，

How can you eat people. ” 怎么会吃⼈。”

I knew right away, 我⽴刻就晓得，

He is also a group, 他也是⼀伙，

I like cannibalism; I am 喜欢吃⼈的;便⾃勇⽓百倍， 百倍 (bǎi bèi) a hundredfold; a hundred times.

courageous,

I want to ask him. 偏要问他。 偏要 (piān yào) to insist on doing sth; must do it,
despite everything.

“Is it right?” “对么?”

“What do you ask him about “这等事问他什么。

this.

You really know... 你真会……

Joking. ... 说笑话。……

e weather today is good. ” 今天天⽓很好。”

e weather is good, 天⽓是好，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 e moonlight is also very ⽉⾊也很亮了。 ⽉⾊ (yuè sè) moonlight.
bright.

But I want to ask you, 可是我要问你，

“Right?” “对么?”

He didn’t take it seriously. 他不以为然了。 不以为然 (bù yǐ wéi rán) not to accept as correct

(idiom); to object; to disapprove; to take exception to.

Hanhan Huhu replied, 含含胡胡的答道， 含胡 (hán hu) variant of 含糊 (hán hu), unclear,

ambivalent.

“Do not……” “不……”

“No? Why did they eat?!” “不对?他们何以竟吃?!” 不对 (bù duì) incorrect; wrong; amiss; abnormal;
queer.

“Nothing...” “没有的事……”

“Nothing? Langzi Village eats “没有的事?狼⼦村现吃;还有书上

it now; there are also books
that say, 都写着，
Bright red!” 通红斩新!” 通红 (tōng hóng) very red; red through and through; to
blush (deep red). 斩新 (zhǎn xīn) variant of 崭新 (zhǎn
xīn), brand new.

He changed his face, 他便变了脸，

Iron is green. 铁⼀般⻘。

Open your eyes and say, 睁着眼说， 着眼 (zhuó yǎn) to have one's eyes on (a goal); having
sth in mind; to concentrate.

“ ere is a lot, “有许有的， 有的 (yǒu de) (there are) some (who are...); some
(exist).

is has never been so...” 这是从来如此……”

“Always, “从来如此，

Is that right?” 便对么?”

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 “I don’t tell you these things; “我不同你讲这些道理;总之你不 不该 (bù gāi) should not; to owe nothing.
in short, you shouldn’t say,
该说，
You said it was your fault!” 你说便是你错!”

I jumped straight up, 我直跳起来，

Open your eyes, 张开眼， 开眼 (kāi yǎn) to open one's eyes; to widen one's
horizons.

is person is gone. 这⼈便不⻅了。 不⻅了 (bù jiàn le) to have disappeared; to be missing;

nowhere to be found.

ere was a lot of sweat all 全⾝出了⼀⼤⽚汗。 全⾝ (quán shēn) whole body; em (typography). ⼤
over.
⽚ (dà piàn) wide expanse; large area; vast stretch;
extending widely; blockbuster movie.

His age, 他的年纪，

Far smaller than my elder ⽐我⼤哥小得远，

brother,

It was also a group; this must 居然也是⼀伙;这⼀定是他娘⽼⼦

have been taught by his
mother rst. 先教的。
I’m afraid that I have already 还怕已经教给他⼉⼦了;所以连小
taught him to his son; so even
the children, 孩⼦，
ey also looked at me 也都恶狠狠的看我。 恶狠狠 (è hěn hěn) very erce.
viciously.

I want to eat people, ⾃⼰想吃⼈，

I am afraid of being eaten by ⼜怕被别⼈吃了，

others,

With a very suspicious look, 都⽤着疑⼼极深的眼光， 疑⼼ (yí xīn) suspicion; to suspect.

Looking at each other. ... ⾯⾯相觑。…… ⾯⾯相觑 (miàn miàn xiāng qù) to look at each other in
dismay (idiom).

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Gone to this mind, 去了这⼼思，

Don’t worry about doing 放⼼做事走路吃饭睡觉， 做事 (zuò shì) to work; to handle matters; to have a
things, walking, eating and
job. 走路 (zǒu lù) to walk; to go on foot.
sleeping,

How comfortable. 何等舒服。 何等 (hé děng) what kind?; how, what; somewhat.

is is just a threshold, 这只是⼀条⻔槛， ⻔槛 (mén kǎn) doorstep; sill; threshold; g. knack or

trick (esp. scheme to get sth cheaper).

A juncture. ⼀个关头。 关头 (guān tóu) juncture; moment.

ey are father, son, brother,
couple, friends, teachers and
students, enemies and
strangers,
他们可是⽗⼦兄弟夫妇朋友师⽣ ⽗⼦ (fù zǐ) father and son. 夫妇 (fū fù) a (married)
仇敌和各不相识的⼈， couple; husband and wife. 师⽣ (shī shēng) teachers
and students. 仇敌 (chóu dí) enemy. 相识 (xiāng shí) to
get to know each other; acquaintance.

All form a group, 都结成⼀伙， 结成 (jié chéng) to form; to forge (alliances etc).

Exhort each other, 互相劝勉， 劝勉 (quàn miǎn) to advise; to encourage.

Entangled each other, 互相牵掣， 牵掣 (qiān chè) to impede; to hold up.

Death would not take this 死也不肯跨过这⼀步。 跨过 (kuà guò) to surmount; to cross over.
step.

Early in the morning, ⼤清早， ⼤清早 (dà qīng zǎo) early in the morning.

To nd my eldest brother; he 去寻我⼤哥;他⽴在堂⻔外看天， 堂 (táng) (main) hall; large room for a speci c purpose;
stood outside the hall and relationship between cousins etc on the paternal side of
looked at the sky,
a family; of the same clan; classi er for classes, lectures

etc; classi er for sets of furniture. ⻔外 (mén

wài) outside the door.

I walked behind him, 我便走到他背后， 背后 (bèi hòu) behind; at the back; in the rear; behind
sb's back.

Stop the door, 拦住⻔， 拦住 (lán zhù) to stop; to bar the way.

Exceptionally quiet, 格外沉静， 沉静 (chén jìng) peaceful; quiet; calm; gentle.

Said to him very kindly, 格外和⽓的对他说， 和⽓ (hé qi) friendly; polite; amiable.

“Big brother, “⼤哥，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O
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 I have something to tell you. ” 我有话告诉你。”

“You said it was,” “你说就是，”

He quickly turned his face 他赶紧回过脸来，

back,

Nod. 点点头。

“I only have a few words, “我只有⼏句话，

But I can’t tell. 可是说不出来。 说不出 (shuō bu chū) unable to say.

Brother, ⼤哥，

About the barbarians back ⼤约当初野蛮的⼈， 当初 (dāng chū) at that time; originally. 野蛮 (yě
then, mán) barbarous; uncivilized.

Have eaten some people. 都吃过⼀点⼈。

Later, because of di erent 后来因为⼼思不同，

thoughts,

Some don’t eat people 有的不吃⼈了，

anymore,

Blindly better, ⼀味要好， ⼀味 (yī wèi) blindly; invariably. 要好 (yào hǎo) to be

on good terms; to be close friends; striving for self-
improvement.

Changed people, 便变了⼈，

Become a real person. 变了真的⼈。

Some still ate,-- 有的却还吃，

Same as bugs, 也同⾍⼦⼀样， ⾍⼦ (chóng zi) insect; bug; worm.

Some have changed into sh, 有的变了⻥⻦猴⼦，

bird and monkey,

Has been changed to people. ⼀直变到⼈。

Some are not good, 有的不要好，

It is still a bug. ⾄今还是⾍⼦。

is cannibal is better than the 这吃⼈的⼈⽐不吃⼈的⼈，

non-cannibal,

What a shame. 何等惭愧。

A monkey who is ashamed 怕⽐⾍⼦的惭愧猴⼦，

than a bug,

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 It’s still far, far away. 还差得很远很远。 得很 (de hěn) (a er an adjective) very.

“Yi Ya steamed his son, “易⽛蒸了他⼉⼦，

Give it to Jieqiong, 给桀纣吃， 桀 (jié) (emperor of Xia dynasty);

cruel. 纣 (zhòu) saddle crupper (harness strap on
horse's back).

It has always been the same. 还是⼀直从前的事。

Who knows that a er Pangu 谁晓得从盘古开辟天地以后， 盘古 (pán gǔ) Pangu (creator of the universe in Chinese
opened up the world,
mythology). 开辟 (kāi pì) to open up; to set up; to
establish. 天地 (tiān dì) heaven and earth; world; scope;
eld of activity.

Eat until the son of Yi Ya; from ⼀直吃到易⽛的⼉⼦;从易⽛的⼉

the son of Yi Ya,
⼦，
Until Xu Xilin, ⼀直吃到徐锡林， 锡 (xī) tin (chemistry); to bestow; to confer; to grant;
Taiwan pr. (xí).

From Xu Xilin, 从徐锡林，

He continued to eat until the ⼜⼀直吃到狼⼦村捉住的⼈。 捉住 (zhuō zhù) to catch; to grapple with; to hold onto.
people caught in Langzi
Village.

e prisoner was killed in the 去年城⾥杀了犯⼈， 犯⼈ (fàn rén) convict; prisoner; criminal.

city last year,

ere is also a person with 还有⼀个⽣痨病的⼈， 痨病 (láo bìng) tuberculosis (TCM).

tuberculosis,

Dip steamed buns in blood. ⽤馒头蘸⾎舐。 蘸 (zhàn) to dip in (ink, sauce etc). 舐 (shì) to lick; to
lap (up).

“ ey want to eat me, “他们要吃我，

you alone, 你⼀个⼈，

e original cannot be 原也⽆法可想;然而⼜何必去⼊ ⼊伙 (rù huǒ) to join a group; to become a member.

imagined; however, why
bother to join in. 伙。
Cannibals, 吃⼈的⼈，

Nothing can be done; they will 什么事做不出;他们会吃我， 什么事 (shén me shì) what?; which?.

eat me,

Will eat you too, 也会吃你，

In a group, ⼀伙⾥⾯，

I will eat myself. 也会⾃吃。

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 But just take one step, 但只要转⼀步，

Just change it immediately, 只要⽴刻改了，

ere is peace for everyone. 也就⼈⼈太平。 太平 (tài píng) peace and security.

Although it has never been, 虽然从来如此，

We can also be exceptionally 我们今天也可以格外要好，

good today,

Say it can’t! Brother, 说是不能!⼤哥，

I believe you can say, 我相信你能说，

e tenants wanted to reduce 前天佃⼾要减租，

their rent the day before
yesterday.

You said you couldn’t. ” 你说过不能。”

At the beginning, 当初，

He just sneered, 他还只是冷笑， 冷笑 (lěng xiào) to sneer; to laugh grimly; grin of

dissatisfaction (bitterness, helplessness, indignation
etc); bitter, grim, sarcastic or angry smile.

en his eyes became erce. 随后眼光便凶狠起来， 随后 (suí hòu) soon a er. 凶狠 (xiōng hěn) cruel;

vicious; erce and malicious; vengeful.

When it comes to breaking ⼀到说破他们的隐情， 说破 (shuō pò) to lay bare (actual facts, secrets etc); to
their secrets,
reveal. 隐情 (yǐn qíng) sth one wishes to keep secret;
ulterior motive; a subject best avoided.

en the whole face turned 那就满脸都变成⻘⾊了。 满脸 (mǎn liǎn) across one's whole face. 变成 (biàn
blue.
chéng) to change into; to turn into; to become. ⻘
⾊ (qīng sè) cyan; blue-green.

A group of people stood ⼤⻔外⽴着⼀伙⼈，

outside the gate,

Zhao Guiweng and his dog, 赵贵翁和他的狗，

Also inside, 也在⾥⾯，

ey all touched their heads 都探头探脑的挨进来。 探头探脑 (tàn tóu tàn nǎo) to stick one's head out and
in.
look around (idiom). 挨 (ái) to su er; to endure; to pull
through (hard times); to delay; to stall; to play for time;

to dawdle. 进来 (jìn lái) to come in.

Some are invisible, 有的是看不出⾯貌， 看不出 (kàn bu chū) can't see; can't make out; unable
to tell. ⾯貌 (miàn mào) appearance; face; features.

It seems to be covered with 似乎⽤布蒙着;有的是仍旧⻘⾯獠

cloth; some are still green with
fangs, ⽛，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Pouting and smiling. 抿着嘴笑。 抿 (mǐn) purse up (lips); to smooth.

I know them as a group, 我认识他们是⼀伙，

ey are cannibals. 都是吃⼈的⼈。

But I also know that their 可是也晓得他们⼼思很不⼀样， 不⼀样 (bù yī yàng) di erent; distinctive; unlike.
minds are very di erent,

One is that it has always been ⼀种是以为从来如此，

like this,

Should eat; one is knowing 应该吃的;⼀种是知道不该吃，

not to eat,

But still have to eat, 可是仍然要吃，

I am afraid that others will ⼜怕别⼈说破他，

break him,

So a er listening to me, 所以听了我的话，

Getting more angry, 越发⽓愤不过， 越发 (yuè fā) increasingly; more and more; ever more;
all the more. ⽓愤 (qì fèn) indignant; furious.

But he sneered while pursing 可是抿着嘴冷笑。

his lips.

At this moment, 这时候，

e eldest brother also ⼤哥也忽然显出凶相， 显出 (xiǎn chū) to express; to exhibit. 凶相 (xiōng

suddenly appeared erce, xiàng) ferocious appearance.

Shouted loudly, ⾼声喝道， ⾼声 (gāo shēng) aloud; loud; loudly. 喝道 (hè dào) (of

yamen baili s etc) to walk ahead of an o cial, shouting
at pedestrians to clear the way.

“Go out! What a madman!” “都出去!疯⼦有什么好看!” 出去 (chū qù) to go out. 疯⼦ (fēng zi) madman;

lunatic. 好看 (hǎo kàn) good-looking; nice-looking;
good (of a movie, book, TV show etc); embarrassed;
humiliated.

At this moment, 这时候，

I know another one of their 我⼜懂得⼀件他们的巧妙了。

ingenuity.

Not only did they refuse to 他们岂但不肯改，

change,

And it has already been set up; 而且早已布置;预备下⼀个疯⼦的 预备 (yù bèi) to prepare; to make ready; preparation;
ready to cover me with the
name of the next madman. 名⽬罩上我。 preparatory. 下⼀个 (xià yī ge) the next
one. 罩 (zhào) cover; sh trap (basket); shade.

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 Eaten in the future, 将来吃了，

Not only is it safe, 不但太平⽆事，

I’m afraid there will be people 怕还会有⼈⻅情。

seeing you.

e tenants said that everyone 佃⼾说的⼤家吃了⼀个恶⼈，

ate a villain,

It is this method. 正是这⽅法。 正是 (zhèng shì) (emphasizes that sth is precisely or

exactly as stated); precisely; exactly; even; if; just like;
in the same way as.

is is their old score! 这是他们的⽼谱! ⽼谱 (lǎo pǔ) old ways; old habit.

Chen Laowu also walked in 陈⽼五也⽓愤愤的直走进来。

angrily.

How to hold my mouth, 如何按得住我的口，

I want to say to this group, 我偏要对这伙⼈说，

“You can change it, “你们可以改了，

Start from the sincerity! To 从真⼼改起!要晓得将来容不得吃 真⼼ (zhēn xīn) sincere; heartfelt. 容不得 (róng bu

know that people who will not
⼈的⼈，
dé) unable to tolerate; intolerant; unable to bear sth.
be able to tolerate people in
the future,

Live in the world. 活在世上。 世上 (shì shàng) on earth.

“If you don’t change, “你们要不改，

I will eat it myself. ⾃⼰也会吃尽。

Even if you have more births, 即使⽣得多，

Will also be wiped out for real 也会给真的⼈除灭了， 灭 (miè) to extinguish or put out; to go out (of a re
people, etc); to exterminate or wipe out; to drown.

It’s the same as the hunter’s 同猎⼈打完狼⼦⼀样! 猎⼈ (liè rén) hunter.

nishing the wolf!

Same as bugs!” 同⾍⼦⼀样!”

at group of people, 那⼀伙⼈，

ey were all driven away by 都被陈⽼五赶走了。 赶走 (gǎn zǒu) to drive out; to turn back.
Chen Laowu.

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 Brother didn’t know where he ⼤哥也不知道那⾥去了。
went.

Chen Laowu advised me to go 陈⽼五劝我回屋⼦⾥去。

back to the house.

e room was dark. 屋⾥⾯全是⿊沉沉的。 ⿊沉沉 (hēi chēn chēn) pitch-black.

e beams and ra ers were 横梁和椽⼦都在头上发抖;抖了⼀ 横梁 (héng liáng) beam. 椽⼦ (chuán zi) beam;

shaking on their heads;
shaking for a while, 会， ra er. 头上 (tóu shàng) overhead; above. 抖 (dǒu) to
tremble; to shake out; to reveal; to make it in the world.

Get bigger, 就⼤起来，

Pile on me. 堆在我⾝上。 ⾝上 (shēn shang) on the body; at hand; among.

Extremely heavy, 万分沉重， 万分 (wàn fēn) very much; extremely; one ten

thousandth part. 沉重 (chén zhòng) heavy; hard;
serious; critical.

Can’t move; he meant me to 动弹不得;他的意思是要我死。 动弹不得 (dòng tan bu dé) to be unable to move a

die. single step.

I know his heaviness is fake, 我晓得他的沉重是假的， 假的 (jiǎ de) bogus; ersatz; fake; mock; phoney.

Struggling out, 便挣扎出来， 挣扎 (zhēng zhá) to struggle.

Sweat all over. 出了⼀⾝汗。 ⼀⾝汗 (yī shēn hàn) sweating all over.

But I want to say, 可是偏要说， 偏 (piān) to lean; to slant; oblique; prejudiced; to

deviate from average; to stray from the intended line;
stubbornly; contrary to expectations; le -hand side of a

split Chinese character, o en the key or radical. 要

说 (yào shuō) as for; when it comes to.

“You changed immediately, “你们⽴刻改了，

Start from the truth! You must 从真⼼改起!你们要晓得将来是容

know that in the future you
will not tolerate 不得吃⼈的⼈，……”
cannibalism...”

⼗⼀

e sun does not come out, 太阳也不出，

e door does not open, ⻔也不开，

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O
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 Two meals a day. ⽇⽇是两顿饭。 ⽇⽇ (rì rì) every day.

I picked up the chopsticks, 我捏起筷⼦， 捏 (niē) to pinch (with one's ngers); to knead; to make
up.

I think of my elder brother; I 便想起我⼤哥;晓得妹⼦死掉的缘 想起 (xiǎng qǐ) to recall; to think of; to call to mind. 妹
know why my sister died,
⼦ (mèi zi) (dialect) younger sister; girl. 缘故 (yuán
故，
gù) reason; cause.

It’s all in him. 也全在他。

My sister was only ve years 那时我妹⼦才五岁，

old at that time,

Cute and pitiful, 可爱可怜的样⼦，

It’s still in sight. 还在眼前。 在眼前 (zài yǎn qián) now; at the present.

Mother couldn’t help crying, ⺟亲哭个不住，

He advised his mother not to 他却劝⺟亲不要哭;⼤约因为⾃⼰

cry; probably because he ate
it, 吃了，
I can’t help but feel a little 哭起来不免有点过意不去。 不免 (bù miǎn) inevitably. 过意不去 (guò yì bù qù) to
sorry to cry. feel very apologetic.

If you can still feel bad,... 如果还能过意不去，……

e girl was eaten by the elder 妹⼦是被⼤哥吃了，

brother,

Mother knows if ⺟亲知道没有，

I don’t know. 我可不得而知。 不得而知 (bù dé ér zhī) unknown; unable to nd out.

Mother wanted to know; but ⺟亲想也知道;不过哭的时候，

when she cried,

But it didn’t explain, 却并没有说明，

I thought it should be. ⼤约也以为应当的了。 应当 (yīng dāng) should; ought to.

I remember when I was four 记得我四五岁时， 岁时 (suì shí) season; time of the year.
or ve years old,

Sitting in front of the hall to 坐在堂前乘凉， 乘凉 (chéng liáng) to cool o in the shade.
enjoy the cool,

e eldest brother said that ⼤哥说爷娘⽣病，

grandpa was sick,

e son must cut o a piece of 做⼉⼦的须割下⼀⽚⾁来， 割 (gē) to cut; to cut apart.

meat,

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 Ask him to eat when it’s 煮熟了请他吃， 煮熟 (zhǔ shóu) to boil thoroughly; to cook thoroughly.
cooked,

He is a good person; my 才算好⼈;⺟亲也没有说不⾏。

mother did not say no.

Eat one piece, ⼀⽚吃得，

e whole can be eaten 整个的⾃然也吃得。

naturally.

But the way of crying that day, 但是那天的哭法， 那天 (nà tiān) that day; the other day.

Now think of it, 现在想起来，

It’s really sad, 实在还教⼈伤⼼，

is is really amazing! 这真是奇极的事!

⼗⼆

Can’t think about it anymore. 不能想了。

Where people have eaten from 四千年来时时吃⼈的地⽅， 千年 (qiān nián) millennium. 时时 (shí shí) o en;
time to time for four thousand constantly.
years,

I just understood today, 今天才明⽩，

I have also been in it for many 我也在其中混了多年;⼤哥正管着 混 (hùn) to mix; to mingle; muddled; to dri along; to
years; the eldest brother is
家务，
muddle along; to pass for; to get along with sb;
taking care of the housework,
thoughtless; reckless.

e girl just died, 妹⼦恰恰死了， 恰恰 (qià qià) exactly; just; precisely.

He may not be in harmony 他未必不和在饭菜⾥， 不和 (bù hé) not to get along well; to be on bad terms;
with the meal,
to be at odds; discord. 饭菜 (fàn cài) food.

Secretly feed us. 暗暗给我们吃。

I may not accidentally, 我未必⽆意之中， ⽆意 (wú yì) inadvertent; accidental; to have no

intention of (doing sth). 之中 (zhī zhōng) inside;
among; in the midst of (doing sth); during.

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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 I don’t eat a few pieces of my 不吃了我妹⼦的⼏⽚⾁，
sister’s meat,

Now it’s my turn,... 现在也轮到我⾃⼰，…… 轮到 (lún dào) to be (sb's or sth's) turn.

A er four thousand years of
cannibalism, I
有了四千年吃⼈履历的我， 有了 (yǒu le) I've got a solution!; to have a bun in the
oven (abbr. for 有了胎 (yǒu le tāi)). 履历 (lǚ
lì) background (academic and work); curriculum vitae;
résumé.

Although I didn’t know at the 当初虽然不知道，

beginning,

Now understand, 现在明⽩，

It’s hard to see real people! 难⻅真的⼈!

⼗三

Children who have never 没有吃过⼈的孩⼦， 过⼈ (guò rén) to surpass others; outstanding;
eaten people, (basketball, soccer etc) to get past an opponent.

Or else? 或者还有?

Save the child... 救救孩⼦……

April 1918. ⼀九⼀⼋年四⽉。 四⽉ (sì yuè) April; fourth month (of the lunar year).

/ A Madman’s Diary (Lu Xun, ) C H I N E S E Z E R O T O H E R O

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