During the Euro 2012 games, time and time again fans cheered the fantastic goals made by Cristiano Ronaldo. His impeccable performance, combined with his good looks, attracted the attention of many girls' eyes in China. Ronaldo was dubbed the top "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" of Euro 2012.
So what does "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" means? It is composed of three adjectives: 高 (gāo) tall, 富 (fù) rich and 帅 (shuài) handsome, and refers to men who possess all three of these enviable qualities. Basically, "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" makes ideal candidates for dating and marriage! Although an old idea, "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" is a relatively new word.
With the popularity of "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" came the corresponding phrase "白富美 (bái fù měi)." This refers to girls who have ivory complexionivory complexion, and are rich, and beautiful. Three adjectives are: 白 (bái) ivory complexion, 富 (fù) rich and 美 (měi) beautiful. People believe that "高富帅 (gāo fù shuài)" and "白富美 (bái fù měi)" are a match made in heaven.
Example:
Tīngshuō Lucy liàn'ài le.
Mary: 听说 Lucy 恋爱 了。
I heard that Lucy fell in love.
Shì a, tā nán péngyou shì gāo fù shuài ne.
Jenny: 是啊,她男 朋友 是 高 富 帅 呢。
Yes, her boyfriend is tall, rich and handsome.
Bìxū de, Lucy yě shì bái fù měi a.
Mary: 必须的,Lucy也是 白 富 美 啊。
He must be. Lucy also has ivory complexion, and are rich and beautiful.
Èn, tāmen tǐng héshì de.
Jenny: 嗯,他们 挺 合适 的。
Yes, they are made for each other.
Practice:
1. When you want to say that a guy is handsome in Chinese, you use the adjective ____.
A. 高 (gāo) B. 富 (fù) C. 帅 (shuài)
2. Which of the following choices is the popular phrase currently used in China to describe a guy who is tall, rich and handsome?
A. 高富帅 (gāo fù shuài) B. 白富美 (bái fù měi) C. 白马王子 (báimǎ wángzi)
Answers to the practice questions: 1. C 2. A