信息
xìnxī
In Chinese, the English word 'message' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. The default form is 信息 (xìnxī). Wiktionary also lists 訊息 / 讯息 (xùnxī) and 音信 (yīnxìn).
Meaning: communication, concept or information conveyed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 信息 | xìnxī |
| 訊息 / 讯息 | xùnxī |
| 音信 | yīnxìn |
| 短信 | duǎnxìn |
| 傳言 / 传言 | chuányán |
The term 信息 is the most versatile form, used to describe both abstract 'information' and digital 'messages' such as an error message or a data packet. When you want to say 'to send a message' using this term, you use the verb 发 (fā) as in 发信息.
Which one should you use?
While 信息 can mean any type of information or message, 短信 is specifically used for SMS or text messages sent via a mobile phone. For more formal or literary contexts, 音信 is used specifically when referring to news or word from a person, often regarding someone who is far away. Additionally, 留言 can be used to refer to the message itself in a formal context or to the act of leaving a message.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
xìnxī
Did you know?
- While 'message' in English is quite neutral, using the word 传言 (chuányán) to mean 'message' implies the information is actually a 'rumor' or 'hearsay' that is being passed around.
- The word for a text message, 短信 (duǎnxìn), literally means 'short letter', reflecting a historical way of conceptualizing brief written communications.
- The term 信息 (xìnxī) is actually a mathematical and technical term in modern Chinese, often used to describe 'information theory' or data transmission, which is why it sounds so much more 'digital' than the English word 'message'.
Examples in context
- 我会给汤姆发信息。I'll send a message to Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say you will send a message to someone using 信息.Tatoeba #5945150 by verdastelo9604, translation #2544246 by CK
- 我的刻录软件显示了一个错误信息。My data-burning software is showing an error message.This sentence is useful for seeing how 信息 is used to describe a digital error message.Tatoeba #3078807 by hsuan07, translation #523910 by wma
- 收到一条重要的讯息Received an important message.
- 请在留言板上写下您的留言Please write your message on the message board.
- 你有什么新的消息吗?Do you have any new messages?
- 他发了一条短信给我He sent me a text message.
- 给我写一封信Write me a message (letter).
- 我收到你的信息了。I received your message.
- 请将重要讯息告知领导。Please inform the leader about the important message.
- 我刚刚发了一条短信给你。I just sent you a text message.
- 这里有一条新的信息。Zhèlǐ yǒu yī tiáo xīn de xìnxī.There is a new message here.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are talking about a notification on a phone.
- 伟 Wei你收到信息了吗？Nǐ shōudào xìnxī le ma?Did you receive the message?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen还没，我没看到。Hái méi, wǒ méi kàndào.Not yet, I didn't see it.
- 伟 Wei手机刚才响了一下。Shǒujī gāngcái xiǎngle yīxià.The phone just made a sound.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen可能只是系统通知。Kěnéng zhǐshì xìtǒng tōngzhī.It might just be a system notification.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “message” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
