Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)
The right answer to the test is C.
Translation:
Tīngshuō zhè cì kǎoshì nǐ shì zuìhòu yì míng.
Tom: 听说 这 次 考试 你 是 最后 一 名。
I’ve heard you’re at the bottom of the class on this exam.
Á, bú huì ba.
Lucy: 啊，不会 吧。
Oh, seriously?
Haha, Yúrénjié, dòu nǐ wánr de.
Tom: 哈哈，愚人节， 逗 你 玩儿 的。
Haha, just kidding. Today’s April Fools’ Day.
Analysis:
The Chinese expression “逗你玩儿的 (dòu nǐ wánr de)” means “just kidding.” It’s usually used when people are joking with each other. “逗” means to joke and “玩” means to amuse.
Example:
Bié dānxīn, tā dòu nǐ wánr de.
别 担心，他逗 你 玩儿 的。
Don’t worry! He’s only kidding.
The word “逗 (dòu)” has three meanings.
The first is “to joke with somebody for fun.” In this condition, it is a verb.
Example:
Zhè háizi tài kě’ài le, nánguài dàjiā dōu xiǎng dòudou tā.
这 孩子 太可爱 了，难怪 大家 都 想 逗逗 她。
The baby’s so cute; everyone wants to play with her.
The second meaning is that something is “funny.” In this meaning, it becomes an adjective.
Example：
Zhè ge gùshì tài dòu le.
这 个 故事 太 逗 了。
This story is hilarious.
The third meaning is “to stay for a short time.” In this condition, it’s a verb. This is also a more formal usage, so it’s more commonly seen in written form.
Example：
Wǒ zài Bālí dòuliúle jǐ tiān.
我 在 巴黎 逗留了几天。
I stayed in Paris for a few days.