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In our first Mandarin Monday of 2025 we're going to take a look back at the top ten Chinese buzzwords from last year. Each year, a selection of buzzwords captures the evolving zeitgeist of Chinese society, offering insights into its priorities, challenges and aspirations.
From groundbreaking technological advancements to shifts in cultural attitudes, 2024 was a year of dynamic change, now let's take a look at the top ten buzzwords.
1.数字化 shùzhìhuà – Digital Intelligence
2024 certainly felt like it was the year for digital intelligence and AI with the growth of ChatGPT and other AI tools and China was no exception.
2.智能向善 zhìnéngxiàngshàn – Intelligence with Goodwill
As the saying goes "With great power comes great responsibility" and this phrase emphasizes the ethical application of artificial intelligence, advocating for technology that benefits society and promotes goodwill.
3.未来产业 wèilái chǎnyè – Future Industries
Another tech-related phrase, this one refers to emerging sectors poised to drive economic growth, underscoring the focus on innovation and forward-thinking industries.
4. city不city city bù city – City or Not City
Odds are you've probably heard of this viral phrase that playfully questions whether someone or something is urban, on-trend, and sophisticated – or not. The phrase took Chinese social media by storm when it was created by Shanghai-based American expat Paul Mike Ashton (aka Baobaoxiong) in May.
5.硬控 yìngkòng – Hard Control
This term refers to something that is so captivating you can't look away from it.
6.水灵灵的XXX shuǐlínglíng de XXX – Energetic or Lively
Originally describing the fresh appearance of fruit, it's now used to depict someone or something that is fresh, lively or worth noticing.
7.班味 bān wèi – Work Odor
A humorous term highlighting the tiredness and mental exhaustion of people who have to work long hours.
8.松弛感 sōngchígǎn – State of Relaxation
This buzzword describes when you're in a total state of relaxation and your mind and body are completely free from stress or tension.
9.银发力量 yínfà lìliàng – Silver-Haired Power
This term refers to the strong influence that the elderly aka "silver-haired" population have on society.
10.小孩哥/小孩姐 xiǎohái gē /xiǎoháijiě – Young but Talented Individuals
Finally, this buzzword is used to refer to young people who exhibit exceptional talent or skills despite their young age.
Have you heard or used any of these buzzwords before? Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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Images: Canva, Weixin
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