Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 互聯網 / 互联网 | hùliánwǎng | |
| 因特網 / 因特网 | Yīntèwǎng | |
| 網絡 / 网络 | wǎngluò | China |
| 網路 / 网路 | wǎnglù | Taiwan |
| 網際網路 / 网际网路 | wǎngjì wǎnglù | Taiwan |
The terms used to refer to the internet vary depending on the level of formality and the specific region. While 互聯網 / 互联网 is a standard way to name the global network, 網絡 / 网络 is frequently used as a shorthand for the internet. In informal contexts, netizens may shorten 網絡 / 网络 to just 网. To express the idea of 'to go online' or 'to surf the internet', Chinese speakers use the verb-object construction 上網. Additionally, the phrase 网络世界 can be used informally to mean 'the online world'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 互聯網 is composed of 互聯, which means 'interconnected' and 網, which means 'network'.
Which one should you use?
In mainland China, 互聯網 is the more formal name, whereas 網絡 / 网络 is used frequently as shorthand. In Taiwan, the standard term for the internet is 網路 / 网路, but the more formal technical term used in academic or official contexts is 網際網路 / 网际网路.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In mainland China, both 互联网 and 网络 are widely used and considered interchangeable. In Taiwan, the standard way to refer to the internet is 網路 / 网路.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of using the internet, such as 'to go online', use the verb-object construction 上網.
How do you pronounce it?
hùliánwǎng
Did you know?
- When you want to say you are 'surfing the net', you use the phrase 上網 / 上网, which literally translates to 'climb the net'.
- The term 因特網 / 因特网 is a phonetic imitation of the English word 'Internet', using the characters 因特 to recreate the sound.
- The word for 'netizen' in Chinese is 网民, which literally translates to 'net person'. It is used much more frequently in daily conversation and news than the English word 'netizen'.
Examples in context
- 互联网已经成为现代生活中不可或缺的一部分，人们通过网络进行信息交流和获取知识。The internet has become an indispensable part of modern life, where people communicate and acquire knowledge through the network.
- 请确保您的计算机连接到因特网。Please make sure your computer is connected to the internet.
- 我真的爱上了网络世界，里面有无尽的信息和乐趣。I have truly fallen in love with the online world where there is an endless supply of information and fun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “internet” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 互聯網, 因特網, CC BY-SA 4.0.
