Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Apr 1, 2013 02:44
11 yrs ago
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Chinese term
China
Translation, proofreading
Native in: Chinese 
, English
Works in: Chinese to English, English to Chinese, Chinese, and 97 more.
吆五喝六
Chinese to English
Other
Poetry & Literature
Hi all:
Can anyone please tell me the English meaning of 吆五喝六? Thanks!
Celia
Detail:
孩子们上学、工作、结婚等，都受到严重影响。王老虎则始终作为伤残荣退军人，受到尊重。后来又当了党支部书记，在村里说一不二，吆五喝六，很是威风。
Can anyone please tell me the English meaning of 吆五喝六? Thanks!
Celia
Detail:
孩子们上学、工作、结婚等，都受到严重影响。王老虎则始终作为伤残荣退军人，受到尊重。后来又当了党支部书记，在村里说一不二，吆五喝六，很是威风。
Proposed translations
(English)
| 5 +2 | Calling the shots, boss around |
Rita Pang
|
| 4 +1 | yell(s) and shout (s) |
jarv95888
|
References
| cries while throwing dice |
Miriam O'Connor
|
Change log
Apr 1, 2013 02:44: changed "Kudoz queue" from "In queue" to "Public"
Apr 6, 2013 04:31: Rita Pang Created KOG entry
Proposed translations
+2
1 hr
Selected
Calling the shots, boss around
I agree to Jarv's answer above, though I would also add to it as being "boss around and hollering about/calling the shots"...given the context of the phrase clearly Mr Wang here is now the head honcho- 说一不二: "his way or the highway" and 吆五喝六 : literal translation is indeed "gambling cries" but it conveys the meaning of the guy being able to "Call the shots" and therefore, being in charge, as is fitting of his role as 党支部书记.
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thanks!"
Reference comments
25 mins
Miriam O'Connor
New Zealand
New Zealand
Native in English
New Zealand
Linguistic adaptations to NZ English
Native in: English
Works in: French to English, English, Chinese to English, and 4 more.
Reference:
cries while throwing dice
吆五喝六 [yāowǔhèliù]
1. 1. Originally it refers to the cries while throwing dice (five and six are high points that usually result inwinning); it broadly refers to the noise of gambling.
赌场里都是吆五喝六的，你别去凑热闹了。
The casinos are full of people who are calling out numbers, it's noisy, don't go there.
2. Used to describe a loud voice that issues bullying orders.
你总是吆五喝六的，谁还喜欢你啊！
You are always snapping at others, nobody likes you.
1. 1. Originally it refers to the cries while throwing dice (five and six are high points that usually result inwinning); it broadly refers to the noise of gambling.
赌场里都是吆五喝六的，你别去凑热闹了。
The casinos are full of people who are calling out numbers, it's noisy, don't go there.
2. Used to describe a loud voice that issues bullying orders.
你总是吆五喝六的，谁还喜欢你啊！
You are always snapping at others, nobody likes you.
Reference:
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