Top 10 Buzzwords of 2024 in China: Chinese Language Trends
Wondering about the top 10 words of 2024 in China? Explore the latest Mandarin Chinese language trends and learn the viral phrases.
Top 10 Words of 2024 in China
This week, the linguistics journal Yaowen Jiaozi《咬文嚼字》(Yǎo Wén Jiáo Zì) unveiled its list of the top ten buzzwords of 2024 that became viral in Chinese language and showcasing the most prominent linguistic trends and popular phrases of the year.
The term “buzzword” in Chinese can be translated as 流行词 (liúxíngcí) or 热词 (rècí). Both terms refer to popular words or phrases that gain widespread usage and attention within a certain period, often reflecting the current cultural, social, or technological trends.
01. Digital Intelligence
数智化
shùzhìhuà
digital intelligence
Like in 2023, this year’s buzzwords also highlight a variety of terms tied to AI and technology. For example, the concept of 数智化 (shùzhìhuà) envisions a future where human and machine intelligence work together to optimize processes and solve complex problems.
02. Intelligence with Goodwill
zhìnéng xiàngshàn
ethical intelligence
lit. (intelligence-for-good)
This term in Chinese language emphasizes the ethical use of AI to create positive, beneficial impacts on society.
03. Future Industries
wèilái chǎnyè
future industries
未来产业 (wèilái chǎnyè), or future industries include areas like future manufacturing, information, materials, energy, space, and health. Developments in these fields will bring major changes in China.
04. City不city
City bu city
to describe places, outfits, or
experiences that have a stylish vibe.
The phrase “City不City” went viral after a foreign travel vlogger* used it to assess if certain places in China or activities were “city enough”.
05. Hard Control
yìng kòng
a hard control
This word in Chinese language is used to describe something that captures someone’s attention so strongly that they can’t look away.
06. Energetically & Lively
shuǐ línglíng de
used to describe someone
energetic or radiant
Many netizens in China began using the phrase in creative ways, pairing “水灵灵地 shuǐ línglíng de” with various words to describe something fresh, lively, or worth noticing.
07. The Smell of Work
bānwèi
the state of being at work
lit. the smell of work
This word in Mandarin Chinese refers to the tired and worn-out appearance people have from work and after handling heavy tasks and stressful conditions.
08. A State of Relaxation
sōngchígǎn
a state of relaxation
lit. relaxation-feeling
This buzzword refers to a feeling of relaxation, ease, or unwinding. It describes a state where the body and mind are free from stress or tension.
09. “Silver Hair Power”
银发力量
yínfà lìliàng
power of the elder generation
lit. (silver-hair-power)
It’s no secret that older people in China are highly respected for their wisdom and experience. The term 银发力量 (yínfà lìliàng) shows how much influence the elderly have in society.
10. Young but Talented People
xiǎoháigē / xiǎoháijiě
exceptionally talented children
lit. (little-kid-brother / little-kid-sister)
This term is used to describe young children who are exceptionally talented in certain fields. These children stand out due to their remarkable abilities, and are often admired by adults for their skills, despite their young age.
Take it Further!
Which of these 10 Chinese language words you liked (or used) the most? Share your opinion in the comments below or our WeChat article. To find out more interesting facts about life in China and Chinese language and culture, check out That’s Mandarin official Instagram Profile.
0 Comments