文本
wénběn
In Chinese, the verb 'to text' is expressed as 文本 (wénběn).
While 文本 is the default form, in formal or professional contexts, the phrase 文字信息 (wénzì xìnxī) is used to specifically denote 'text information'.
Meaning: to send a text message to (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
wénběn
Did you know?
- In Chinese digital slang, people often use the English letter 'u' or the number '520' in texts as phonetic shortcuts for 'I love you' rather than writing out the characters.
- Sending a 'text' in China often involves 'voice messages' via apps, which are treated as texts and are called 语音 (yǔyīn) even though they are audio files.
- The character 文 (wén) in 文本 originally depicted a person with a cross-patterned design on their chest, symbolizing 'pattern' or 'culture' long before it meant 'text'.
Examples in context
- 请发一条短信给我。Please send me a text message.
- 请将文字信息发送至我的电子邮箱。Please send the text information to my email.
- 你发了一条新消息给我。You sent me a new message.
- 给我发一条短信吧！Send me a text message, please!
Example conversation
Wei and Zihan are planning a dinner meeting.
- 伟 Wei我们晚上几点见面？Wǒmen wǎnshàng jǐ diǎn jiànmiàn?What time should we meet tonight?
- 梓涵 Zihan我不确定，晚点发文本告诉你。Wǒ bù quèdìng, wǎndiǎn fā wěnběn gàosù nǐ.I'm not sure, I'll text you later to let you know.
- 伟 Wei好的，记得发给我。Hǎo de, jìde fā gěi wǒ.Okay, remember to send it to me.
- 梓涵 Zihan没问题，梓涵会发给你的。Méi wèntí, Zǐhán huì fā gěi nǐ de.No problem, Zihan will text you.
