Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “meme” in Chinese! Memes have become a global phenomenon, and their popularity extends to every corner of the world, including China. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express the term “meme” in Chinese. We will also touch upon regional variations, although it is important to note that Chinese language and culture are diverse, so there might be slight variations in pronunciation and usage. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Meme” in Chinese
When it comes to formal expressions, Mandarin Chinese is the standard. Here are some common formal terms used to refer to memes in Mandarin Chinese:
- Dǐngxiǎng (顶像): This term is derived from the Mandarin pronunciation of the English word “meme.” It is the most widely recognized and commonly used formal term for “meme” in China. It directly translates to “top image” or “image that gains popularity.”
- Wénzhàng (文张): This term refers to a type of written or visual material that spreads widely and gains popularity on the internet. While not specific to memes per se, it is often used interchangeably with “dingxiang” to refer to internet memes.
- Yuánxiàng (元像): This term translates to “original image” and is used to describe memes that are based on a specific original image or concept that has been widely modified or parodied.
Informal Ways to Say “Meme” in Chinese
Informally, Chinese speakers often rely on loanwords or transliterations for “meme.” Here are some popular informal terms used by Chinese internet users:
- Mèimèi (妹妹): This term literally means “little sister” in Mandarin Chinese, but in the context of the internet, it refers to memes. It became popular due to a homophonic similarity between the Mandarin pronunciation of “meme” and “little sister.”
- Gǎo bái (搞怕): This term combines two Chinese characters meaning “to create” and “to scare.” It is a playful way to refer to memes that are created to invoke exaggerated reactions or laughter amongst internet users.
- Gǎo xiao tu (搞笑图): This term translates to “funny picture” and is often used to describe memes that are primarily visual and aim to entertain through humor or satire.
Regional Variations
China is a vast country with various regional dialects and languages. While Mandarin Chinese is the standard language, there are regional variations in how the term “meme” is pronounced or used. Let’s take a closer look at a few variations:
Cantonese:
In Cantonese, a commonly spoken Chinese dialect primarily used in southern China and Hong Kong, the term “meme” is often transliterated as mai3 mai3 (味味). This transliteration mimics the sound of the English word “meme” while utilizing characters with similar pronunciations in Cantonese.
Taiwanese Mandarin:
In Taiwanese Mandarin, which has some variations from mainland Mandarin, the term “meme” is often expressed as mì-mi (迷迷) or mì-mì piàn huà (迷迷片话). These terms bear resemblance to the informal Mandarin Chinese terms mentioned earlier, “mèimèi” and “gǎo miàn huà.” However, slight pronunciation variations and regional vocabulary choices may occur.
Usage Tips and Examples
To effectively communicate about memes in Chinese, here are some additional usage tips along with examples:
- 1. When discussing a specific meme: Use the term “dingxiang” or “wenzhang” followed by the meme’s name or description. For example, “这个dingxiang很有趣” (This meme is interesting) or “你看过那个wenzhang吗?” (Have you seen that meme?).
- 2. Describing a funny meme: Utilize informal terms like “mèimèi” or “gǎo xiao tu” to convey a sense of humor associated with the meme. For instance, “那是一个超级搞笑的mèimèi!” (That’s a super funny meme!).
- 3. Sharing a meme online: When posting memes on social media platforms or discussion forums, you can use both formal and informal terms interchangeably. Adding popular hashtags such as #搞笑图 (funny picture) or #笑死人 (hilarious) can help increase visibility and engagement.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now gained a comprehensive understanding of how to say “meme” in Chinese. We have explored both formal and informal ways to express this term, along with regional variations that may exist in different Chinese dialects. Remember, language and culture are dynamic, and new terms may emerge as internet culture evolves. So, stay curious, explore Chinese meme culture, and have fun sharing the joy of memes with Chinese speakers!
