动漫
dòngmàn
The phrase "anime manga" in Chinese is translated as 动漫 (dòngmàn).
动漫 is a collective term used to refer to the entire subculture of Japanese-style animation and comics. While it combines the concepts of both media, it is the standard way to refer to the medium as a whole in Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a portmanteau of the words 动画 (dònghuà, animation) and 漫画 (mànhuà, comics/manga).
Which one should you use?
Use 动画 if you are referring specifically to the moving animation, and use 漫画 if you are referring specifically to the printed comics or manga rather than the combined medium.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mainland China, the term 卡通 is used to refer to animated works in general.
How do you pronounce it?
dòngmàn
Did you know?
- Internet users often use the term 二次元 (èr cì yuán), meaning 'two-dimensional', to refer to the entire anime and manga subculture. This serves as a slang way to distinguish the '2D' world of fiction from the '3D' real world.
- The word 动画 literally translates to 'moving picture', where 动 means 'move' and 画 means 'painting' or 'drawing'.
- While a learner might assume 'manga' refers only to Japanese origins, the Chinese term 漫画 is used for any comic-style art, including Western styles like 'strips' or 'cartoons'.
Examples in context
- 这部动漫非常有趣。This anime is very interesting.
- 我喜欢看日本动画。I enjoy watching Japanese anime.
- 他的画风很像日本漫画。His drawing style is very similar to Japanese manga.
- 这个动画片好好笑啊！This anime is so funny!
- 今天我在看动漫呢，你呢？I'm watching anime today, how about you?
- 我昨晚读了一本漫画，非常精彩。I read a manga last night, it was fantastic.
- 他很喜欢看动漫。tā hěn xǐ huān kàn dòng mànHe really likes watching anime and manga.
- 这家动漫店的东西很多。zhè jiā dòng màn diàn de dōng xī hěn duōThis anime shop has a lot of things.
- 你对动漫感兴趣吗？nǐ duì dòng màn gǎn xìng qù ma?Are you interested in anime and manga?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你平时喜欢看什么？hào rán, nǐ píng shí xǐ huān kàn shén me?Haoran, what do you usually like to watch?
- 浩然 Haoran我比较喜欢看动漫。wǒ bǐ jiào xǐ huān kàn dòng màn.I prefer watching anime and manga.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我也是，我也很喜欢动漫。wǒ yě shì, wǒ yě hěn xǐ huān dòng màn.Me too, I also really like anime and manga.
- 浩然 Haoran那我们以后可以一起聊。nà wǒ men yǐ hòu kě yǐ yì qǐ liáo.Then we can chat about it together in the future.
