萌
méng
meng is the Chinese term for cute, adorable or 'moe'.
In modern internet slang, 萌 is used to describe someone or something that is extremely cute, adorable or evokes a sense of 'moe'. You can also use the term 萌系 to refer to a specific aesthetic or genre characterized by cuteness.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 萌 literally means to sprout or to bud, referring to the growth of plants.
How do you pronounce it?
méng
Did you know?
- The modern use of 萌 as 'cute' was heavily influenced by the Japanese concept of 'moe', which originally described a burning passion for fictional characters. It represents a shift from describing a physical trait to describing the emotional response of the viewer.
- In Chinese internet culture, the term is often used as a verb. You might see people say 被萌到了, which translates to 'being moved by cuteness' or 'being hit by the cuteness' of something.
- The use of 萌 is part of a broader 'cute culture' in East Asia where adult behaviors are softened to appear more youthful, a trend that transcends simple adjectives to influence fashion and speech patterns.
Examples in context
- 他做了一个美丽的梦。He had a beautiful dream.
- 你好，孟孟！Hello, Meng Meng!
- 这只小猫真的很萌。Zhè zhī xiǎomāo zhēnde hěn méng.This kitten is really cute.
- 那个画风非常萌。Nàge huàfēng fēicháng méng.That drawing style is very adorable.
- 她的表情太萌了。Tā de biǎoqíng tài méng le.Her expression is so cute.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at cute animal videos on a phone.
- 伟 Wei你看这只小兔子，好萌啊！Nǐ kàn zhè zhī xiǎo tùzi, hǎo méng a!Look at this little rabbit, it's so cute!
- 雨婷 Yuting天哪，确实很萌。Tiān na, quèshí hěn méng.Oh my god, it really is adorable.
- 伟 Wei我也想养一只。Wǒ yě xiǎng yǎng yì zhī.I want to raise one too.
- 雨婷 Yuting那你一定要照顾好它。Nà nǐ yídìng yào zhàogù hǎo tā.Then you must take good care of it.
