COVID-19, the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, has impacted the world in unprecedented ways. As the outbreak originated in China, it is essential to learn how to say COVID in Chinese for effective communication. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express this term in Mandarin Chinese, the most widely spoken language in China. Although there are regional variations, we will focus on commonly used terms. Let’s delve into it!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways
When it comes to formal language, Chinese people often use official terms. Here are the formal ways to say COVID in Chinese:
1.1 新型冠状病毒 (xīn xíng guānzhuàng bìngdú)
This is the official Chinese term for COVID-19. It directly translates to “novel coronavirus,” where “新型” (xīn xíng) means “novel” and “冠状病毒” (guānzhuàng bìngdú) means “coronavirus.” When discussing COVID-19 in formal situations like news reports or formal speeches, this term is widely used.
Example: 今年的重点议题之一是如何应对新型冠状病毒的传播。 (jīnnián de zhòngdiǎn yìtí zhī yī shì rúhé yìngduì xīn xíng guānzhuàng bìngdú de chuánbō)
Translation: One of the key topics this year is how to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus.
1.2 冠状病毒 (guānzhuàng bìngdú)
The term 冠状病毒 (guānzhuàng bìngdú) is more concise and slightly less formal than 新型冠状病毒 (xīn xíng guānzhuàng bìngdú). It directly means “coronavirus” without the specification of it being novel. It is still acceptable in formal settings when referring to COVID-19.
Example: 冠状病毒疫情对全球经济造成了巨大影响。(guānzhuàng bìngdú yìqíng duì quánqiú jīngjì zàochéngle jùdà yǐngxiǎng)
Translation: The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy.
2. Informal Ways
In informal contexts or daily conversations, Chinese people often use more colloquial terms to refer to COVID-19. Here are some commonly used informal expressions:
2.1 新冠 (xīn guān)
The abbreviation 新冠 (xīn guān) is widely used in informal situations to refer to COVID-19. It combines the first character from “新型” (xīn xíng) and the abbreviated form of “冠状病毒” (guānzhuàng bìngdú). This term became popular during the pandemic and is commonly used on social media and in everyday conversations.
Example: 这段时间大家都需要注意新冠的防控措施。(zhè duàn shíjiān dàjiā dōu xūyào zhùyì xīn guān de fángkòng cuòshī)
Translation: During this period, everyone needs to pay attention to the prevention and control measures for the novel coronavirus.
2.2 肺炎 (fèiyán)
The term 肺炎 (fèiyán) directly translates to “pneumonia.” However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is commonly used in informal settings to refer specifically to the viral infection caused by the novel coronavirus. It is an alternative informal term often heard in casual conversations.
Example: 他的肺炎症状确诊为新冠。(tā de fèiyán zhèngzhuàng quèzhěn wéi xīn guān)
Translation: His pneumonia symptoms were diagnosed as COVID-19.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of formal and informal ways to say COVID in Chinese. The formal terms include 新型冠状病毒 (xīn xíng guānzhuàng bìngdú) and 冠状病毒 (guānzhuàng bìngdú), which are commonly used in official reports and formal discussions. For informal contexts, 新冠 (xīn guān) and 肺炎 (fèiyán) are frequently used to refer to COVID-19 in everyday conversations and on social media.
Remember to use the appropriate terms based on the situation. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s all work together to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19!
