A student asked me, “I successfully registered on a Chinese social media platform, but I find these English letters puzzling.” Interestingly, although they are made up of English letters, their meanings remain elusive. It turns out these are Chinese Pinyin abbreviations! As someone actively engaged in Chinese social media, with a deep understanding of everyday conversations and online culture, I am excited to introduce today’s top 10 Chinese internet abbreviations. These abbreviations are commonly used in online contexts. Let’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with them, enhancing the enjoyment of our online conversations with friends.
1. YYDS (永远的神) – Yǒng yuǎn de shén – Greatest Of All Time
In Chinese internet culture, YYDS is often used to express extremely high praise for someone or something, equivalent to the English “GOAT.”
Huǒguō zhēn de tài hǎo chī le, YYDS (yǒng yuǎn de shén)!
火锅真的太好吃了，YYDS（永远的神）！
The hotpot is really delicious, Greatest Of All Time!
2. XSWL (笑死我了) – Xiào sǐ wǒ le – Laugh to death
XSWL is used to convey something is very funny, similar to “LOL.”
Tā shuōhuà shí yáchǐ shàng yǒu cài, XSWL (xiào sǐ wǒ le)!
他说话时牙齿上有菜，xswl（笑死我了）！
When he talks, there’s something in his teeth. It’s so hilarious!
3. AWSL (啊我死了) – ā wǒ sǐ le – Awwww
AWSL has its roots in the Japanese phrase “あ、私は死んている (A Watashiwa Shintei Lu),” translating to “Ah, I’m already dead.” Interestingly, the Chinese Pinyin abbreviation for “啊我死了” coincidentally forms “awsl,” making it easy for Chinese netizens to remember. It captures the heartwarming sensation one experiences when encountering something adorable, similar to the emotional response elicited by the English expression “awww.”
Zhè zhī māo hǎo kě’ài, AWSL (ā wǒ sǐ le).
这只猫好可爱，awsl（啊我死了）。
This cat is so cute, Awwww.
4. U1S1/YYSY (有一说一) – Yǒu yī shuō yī – To be honest
This abbreviation is roughly equivalent to “jiǎng dào lǐ 讲道理” (speaking truth). It can be used in almost any context. When commenting on something, it can be used alone to show agreement or followed by a statement to introduce a new perspective, emphasizing its point.
U1S1 (Yǒu yī shuō yī), zhè jiàn shì shì nǐ de cuò.
U1S1（有一说一），这件事是你的错。
To be honest, this matter is your fault.
5. DDDD (懂的都懂) – Dǒng de dōu dǒng – Those who know will know
This abbreviation is used when discussing common knowledge or things that are inconvenient to explain in detail. It implies, “Those who know will know. No more explanation needed.”
Tā yī dào jiézhàng de shíhòu jiù qù shàng cèsuǒ, DDDD (dǒng de dōu dǒng).
他一到结账的时候就去上厕所，DDDD（懂的都懂）。
When it comes time to pay, he goes to the bathroom, DDDD (those who knows will know).
6. BDJW (不懂就问) – Bù dǒng jiù wèn – I don’t understand, just wanna ask
BDJW means “I don’t understand this meme/ term, please tell me what it means.” On social media platforms, it’s often used to inquire about the meaning of a specific topic or meme. Typically, it serves as a preemptive statement conveying, “I genuinely don’t know, so I’m asking you, no other implications, please don’t misunderstand.” Due to the difficulty of conveying tone in online text, sometimes when reading a post, if someone encounters something they don’t understand and asks the author or other users in the comments, it might be misconstrued as questioning, mocking, or provoking. To avoid such misunderstandings, many people habitually add a phrase like “不懂就问” before asking a question to signify a sincere desire to learn rather than challenge.
BDJW (Bù dǒng jiù wèn), zhège dāncí shì shénme yìsī?
BDJW（不懂就问），这个单词是什么意思？
I don’t understand. I just want to ask what does this word mean?
7. SRDS (虽然但是) – Suī rán dàn shì – However
SRDS originates from the Japanese “それでも” (meaning “nevertheless”)，now it’s a popular internet slang used to express a turn, contradiction, or to present one’s own opinion after acknowledging the previous statement.
SRDS (Suī rán dàn shì), tā yě méiyǒu zuò cuò shénme.
SRDS（虽然但是），他也没有做错什么。
Howerver, he didn’t really do anything wrong?
8. DBQ (对不起) – Duì bù qǐ – Sorry
It’s used to express apology or regret.
Zhè jiàn shìqing shì wǒ de cuò, DBQ (duì bù qǐ).
这件事情是我的错，DBQ（对不起）。
It is my fault, sorry.
9. GKD (搞快点) – Gǎo kuài diǎn – Hurry up
GKD indicates an urgent need or anticipation for something to happen.
GKD (Gǎo kuài diǎn), wǒ yǐjīng bùxiǎng děng le.
GKD（搞快点），我已经不想等了。
Hurry up, I don’t want to wait anymore.
10. SZD (是真的) – Shì zhēn de – It’s real
It is commonly used to emphasize the truthfulness of something, also used in fan circles to praise idols or express certainty about something.
Zhè bù diànyǐng hěn hǎokàn, SZD (shì zhēn de)!
这部电影很好看，szd(是真的）!
This movie is really good!
These abbreviations are more commonly used in online chats, widely embraced in Chinese Internet culture, offering a concise, humorous, and trendy way of expression. If you wish to grasp more practical everyday Chinese or enhance your proficiency in spoken Chinese, feel free to click here for a free one-on-one trial class. We will tailor the content to suit your needs, helping you express yourself more fluently and effortlessly immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Chinese social media.