1

Looking for a colloquial Chinese translation of the English: Couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery

Wiktionary:

Presents an example of a minimally simple project that the person or group described is presumed unable to accomplish.

couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery

(UK, Australia, New Zealand, vulgar, slang, idiomatic) Is unable even to organise a project that requires no planning; is incompetent.  [quotations ▼]


Synonyms

couldn't organise a two-ticket raffle

couldn't organise an orgy in a brothel

couldn't organise a bun fight in a bakery

couldn't pour water out of a boot

  • What phrases are there in Chinese to express this kind of incompetence, i.e.: unable to organize something that doesn't involve any planning?

(Specifically talking about someones organization skills, of course.)

|improve this question
  • Do you prefer that the phrase be very vulgar? – Colin McLarty Jan 18 '15 at 14:12
  • Can't hurt, won't hurt – user3306356♦ Jan 18 '15 at 15:19
  • I am almost certain an exact counterpart in Chinese doesn't exist, in which case it would be helpful to clarify the context in more detail, such as the person you're trying to describe is in high position or an ordinary Joe, as well as how rude is the expression you expect. – NS.X. Jan 19 '15 at 1:46
  • Just anything that describes someone with no organizational skills. – user3306356♦ Jan 19 '15 at 3:06
  • Oxford funnily enough has this entry: he couldn't organize a piss-up in a brewery 他即使到了酒厂都组织不了大家狂喝痛饮 – user3306356♦ Jan 19 '15 at 3:17
4

昏庸无能 is very close. it means: have no ability to do even a very simple project. have no management skill to manage a team.

|improve this answer
  • 4
    As native speaker I would like to point out that the phrase "昏庸无能" is usually used to describe a emperor. – mmjang Jan 19 '15 at 11:55
4

一事无成This may seem a little different from what you want when translated directly,which is 'haven't done anything meaningful'.But,it is often used to describe a pernson who can't accomplish even the easiest assignment.I believe it's a pretty close one.

|improve this answer
  • "achieved nothing in life" is not the same with "incompetent". – Wang Dingwei Jan 20 '15 at 8:08
  • Yeah,一无是处is better. – Noctihaar Surralyn Jan 20 '15 at 9:04
3

The Chinese only have the plain and dry "组织能力差".

As for translation, there is a direct translation with a few touch-ups:

就算带一群酒鬼到酒坊里，他也没能力组织到让大家喝个痛快。

Added 酒鬼 because the Chinese is a less bibulous people, at least on paper.

A direct translation is good in this case because there is no comparable idioms exist in Chinese.

|improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.