How the World Talks ④ China: ‘666’ and ‘yyds,’ Praise Written in Numbers and Letters
On the Chinese internet, three numbers or four letters can be a compliment, and saying you’re lying flat can describe a whole attitude toward life.
In Chinese messaging apps and video comments, you’ll often see the number ‘666’. It’s praise, meaning “amazing” or “nicely done.” It’s said to come from the fact that 6 (六, liù) sounds the same as ‘溜’ (liù), meaning “skillful.”
The highest praise in four letters
‘yyds’ is made from the first letters of the pinyin for ‘永远的神’ (yǒngyuǎn de shén), “eternal god.” People use it to hail something as the absolute best. ‘绝绝子’ (juéjuézi) is also used as an exclamation, close to “just incredible.”
Buzzwords about how to live
Not every buzzword is a compliment. ‘内卷’ (nèijuǎn) describes competition so draining that everyone ends up worn out, and ‘躺平’ (tǎngpíng) is the attitude of stepping out of that race and living with the bare minimum. If you don’t know what they mean and translate them as “rolling inward” and “lying flat,” it’s hard to tell what anyone is talking about.
“这家火锅yyds！” Word for word: “This hot pot place yyds!” What fits the moment: “This hot pot place is seriously the best!”
When NATILO translates
NATILO tries to turn buzzwords into words that keep their meaning alive. ‘yyds’ becomes an exclamation with the same energy in the other language, and ‘躺平’ becomes a descriptive phrase that fits the context. The original isn’t erased, so you can always see the exact words the other person used.
The translations in these examples are for illustration. Actual translations may vary from conversation to conversation.