Growing technology advancements have made communication across borders easier than ever. In today’s digital age, video calling has become a popular way to connect with people around the world. If you’re interested in learning how to say “video call” in Chinese, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this concept. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Video Call in Chinese
When it comes to formal expressions, Mandarin Chinese is widely used throughout Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Here are some formal phrases you can use to refer to a video call:
- 视讯通话 (shì xùn tōng huà)
This phrase directly translates to “video call” in Mandarin Chinese. It is commonly used in formal settings and professional conversations.
视像电话 (shì xiàng diàn huà)
This term refers to a “video telephone call” and carries a formal connotation. It is suitable for use in more professional or official contexts.
视频通话 (shì pín tōng huà)
Similar to the previous phrases, this expression means “video call” in a formal sense. It is commonly used in the context of technology and digital communication.
Informal Ways to Say Video Call in Chinese
On the other hand, Mandarin Chinese also offers various informal expressions you can use among friends, family, or in casual conversations:
- 视频聊天 (shì pín liáo tiān)
This phrase conveys the idea of “video chatting” and is predominantly used in informal settings. It’s a popular term among the younger generation in China.
视频通信 (shì pín tōng xìn)
While also meaning “video communication,” this expression leans more towards informal usage. It is commonly employed in daily conversations to denote video calls.
网上视频 (wǎng shàng shì pín)
This term, which means “online video,” can be used to describe video calls in a less formal manner. It indicates that the communication takes place over the internet.
Regional Variations
Across different regions where Chinese languages are spoken, there might be some variations in the way video calls are referred to. Take a look at some regional variations:
- In Cantonese (spoken in Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong province), people often use the term 視像電話 (si^6 zoeng^6 din^6 waa^2) to refer to video calls. This expression is quite similar to the formal “video telephone call” in Mandarin.
- In Taiwanese Hokkien, the Hoklo-speaking community commonly says 畫面電話 (ōe-bīn tiān-ōe) when referring to video calls.
Tips and Examples
Here are some handy tips and examples to further assist you in using these phrases correctly:
Tips:
- When in doubt, the formal expressions are generally safer to use, especially in professional or unfamiliar circumstances.
- If chatting with friends or in casual contexts, feel free to opt for informal expressions to create a friendlier atmosphere.
- Remember that context plays an essential role in selecting the appropriate phrase, so consider the setting and your relationship with the person you’re communicating with.
Examples:
- Formal usage: 今天我们需要进行一次视讯通话。(jīn tiān wǒ men xū yào jìn xíng yī cì shì xùn tōng huà) – “Today we need to have a video call.”
- Informal usage: 昨天晚上我和朋友视频聊天了很久。(zuó tiān wǎn shàng wǒ hé péng you shì pín liáo tiān le hěn jiǔ) – “Yesterday evening, I had a long video chat with my friend.”
Congratulations! Now you possess the knowledge to confidently express the concept of “video call” in Chinese. Whether you opt for a formal or informal way, your conversational skills are bound to impress! Happy video calling!
