电视迷
diànshìmí
The English phrase "couch potato" can be translated into Chinese as 电视迷 (diànshìmí).
Unlike the English "couch potato", which often implies laziness, 电视迷 is a more neutral term that can simply describe someone with a strong interest in watching television.
Meaning: person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 电视迷 is a relatively neutral way to describe a television enthusiast, you can also use 电视狂 to express an even stronger obsession, as this form incorporates the character for "mad" or "crazy".
How do you pronounce it?
diànshìmí
Did you know?
- The term 电视迷 uses the character 迷, which is also found in the word for 'maze' or 'labyrinth' 迷宫. This implies the person is not just watching but is 'lost' in the screen.
- While 电视迷 is neutral, the gender-specific terms 宅男 for men and 宅女 for women are used in modern slang to describe those who spend all their time indoors on screens.
- The term 电视 (diànshì) literally translates to 'electric vision', reflecting how early 20th-century Chinese conceptualized the technology of television.
Examples in context
- 我哥哥整天玩电脑游戏，真是个宅男！My older brother plays computer games all day, he's a real couch potato!
- 朋友们都出去运动了，我是个懒人，宁愿窝在家里看电视。All my friends went out to exercise, but I'm a couch potato. I'd rather stay at home and watch TV.
- 他是个彻头彻尾的电视迷。Tā shì ge chètóu-chèwěi de diànshì mí.He is a complete couch potato.
Example conversation
Zihan and Wei are talking about their weekend plans.
- 梓涵 Zihan你周末打算做什么？Nǐ zhōumò dǎsuàn zuò shénme?What do you plan to do this weekend?
- 伟 Wei我想在家当个电视迷。Wǒ xiǎng zài jiā dāng gè diǎnxíng mí.I want to be a couch potato at home.
- 梓涵 Zihan你应该出去走走。Nǐ yīnggāi chūqù zǒuzǒu.You should go out for a walk.
- 伟 Wei但我太累了，不想动。Dàn wǒ tài lèi le, bù xiǎng dòng.But I'm too tired and don't want to move.
