This study examines vulgarisms in the Chinese language as a form of substandard lexis with significant linguistic, cultural, and social functions. Drawing on previous Chinese scholarship as well as the comprehensive comparative research conducted by Nguyen Phuong Thuy, this paper analyzes the structural and grammatical features of Chinese vulgarisms, including their syllabic composition and dominant grammatical patterns. Particular attention is given to the role of vulgarisms in spoken discourse, literary texts, film, and media, as well as their expressive and pragmatic functions, and their sociolinguistic context. The findings demonstrate that Chinese vulgarisms reflect deep-rooted cultural values, social attitudes, and psychological mechanisms, and that their accurate interpretation and culturally adequate translation are essential for cross-cultural communication and literary translation. The study highlights the growing relevance of vulgarism research in the context of contemporary Chinese literature, gender discourse, censorship, and digital communication.

Chinese vulgarisms, substandard lexis, connotation

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