REAL INTERNET CHINESE
gone numb, like a limb that fell asleep
so drained by one annoyance after another that you cannot even react anymore
- Who can you say it to?
- Friends and coworkers Normal among people your own age. Skip it with elders, clients and officials.
- Out loud, or only typed?
- Say it or type it Works out loud and in chat.
- Is it still used?
- Settled in Past the fad stage, part of everyday speech.
When to say it
The meeting moved a third time, the printer ate your file, and you just stare: I'm numb. Say it when you are past anger and running on empty. Tired, flat, half joke. Text it with a blank face or say it in a dead voice.
Hear it in the wild
Gǎi le bā biàn le, wǒ má le.
That's the eighth revision, I've gone numb.
Zhège yuè tiāntiān jiābān, rén dōu má le.
Overtime every day this month, I've gone completely numb.
Quick answers
What does 麻了 mean?
so drained by one annoyance after another that you cannot even react anymore
When do people say 麻了?
The meeting moved a third time, the printer ate your file, and you just stare: I'm numb. Say it when you are past anger and running on empty. Tired, flat, half joke. Text it with a blank face or say it in a dead voice.
When should you not say 麻了?
Fine about your own small miseries, but around someone in real distress it sounds dismissive.
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