Understanding "点赞" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 点赞
• Pinyin: diǎn zàn
• Literal Meaning: "Press like" or "Give a thumbs-up"
• Primary Meaning: To like or upvote something (e.g., a social media post, comment, or video) as a form of approval or support.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"点赞" is widely used in the context of social media and online interactions. It refers to the action of clicking a "like" button (often represented by a thumbs-up icon) to show appreciation, agreement, or encouragement. The term is commonly used on platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), and others.

In informal conversations, "点赞" can also metaphorically mean to praise or support someone's actions or achievements, even outside social media.

Character Breakdown

• 点 (diǎn): Means "to click" or "to press."
• 赞 (zàn): Means "to praise" or "to approve."
  Together, the characters literally mean "click praise," reflecting the action of liking something online.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 请给我的新照片点赞！
   Pinyin: Qǐng gěi wǒ de xīn zhàopiàn diǎn zàn!
   English: Please like my new photo!

2. Chinese: 他的视频有很多人点赞。
   Pinyin: Tā de shìpín yǒu hěn duō rén diǎn zàn.
   English: His video got a lot of likes.

3. Chinese: 我们为他的勇敢行为点赞。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen wèi tā de yǒnggǎn xíngwéi diǎn zàn.
   English: We applaud (literally "give likes to") his brave actions.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese internet culture, "点赞" is not just a passive action but often carries social expectations. For example:
- People may ask friends or followers to "点赞" their posts to boost visibility.
- Not "点赞"ing a close friend's post might be seen as a lack of support.
- On platforms like Douyin, the number of "点赞" can influence a creator's popularity and earnings.

Conclusion

"点赞" (diǎn zàn) is a key term in Chinese digital culture, meaning to "like" or "upvote" online content. It combines the actions of clicking ("点") and praising ("赞"), reflecting the modern way of showing approval. Whether on social media or in metaphorical praise, this word is essential for understanding online interactions in Chinese.