In the age of digital communication, it’s crucial to stay updated with the relevant vocabulary. The Chinese language has incorporated many new terms to describe the fast-evolving internet and social media landscape. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, knowing these terms will enhance your ability to navigate and converse in the digital space in Mandarin Chinese. Let’s explore some essential Chinese vocabulary for the internet and social media, along with their definitions and examples of how to use them.

互联网 (hùliánwǎng) – Internet
This word literally translates to “interconnected network,” which is the same as the English word “internet.”
我每天都要用互联网。 (Wǒ měitiān dōu yào yòng hùliánwǎng.) – I need to use the internet every day.

网站 (wǎngzhàn) – Website
This term refers to a location on the internet where you can access information or services.
这个网站上有很多学习资源。 (Zhège wǎngzhàn shàng yǒu hěnduō xuéxí zīyuán.) – There are many learning resources on this website.

搜索引擎 (sōusuǒ yǐnqíng) – Search Engine
A search engine is used to find information on the internet by entering keywords.
我用搜索引擎找到了这篇文章。 (Wǒ yòng sōusuǒ yǐnqíng zhǎodàole zhè piān wénzhāng.) – I found this article using a search engine.

社交媒体 (shèjiāo méitǐ) – Social Media
Social media encompasses the platforms used for social interaction and sharing content.
她常在社交媒体上分享旅行照片。 (Tā cháng zài shèjiāo méitǐ shàng fēnxiǎng lǚxíng zhàopiàn.) – She often shares travel photos on social media.

微博 (wēibó) – Microblog (often used for the Chinese platform Sina Weibo)
A popular platform in China for sharing short messages, images, and videos.
我关注了好几个名人的微博。 (Wǒ guānzhùle hǎojǐ gè míng rén de wēibó.) – I follow several celebrities on Weibo.

微信 (wēixìn) – WeChat
One of the most ubiquitous social apps in China, used for messaging, social media, and mobile payments.
我们通过微信保持联系。 (Wǒmen tōngguò wēixìn bǎochí liánxì.) – We stay in touch through WeChat.

直播 (zhíbō) – Live Stream
To broadcast or watch live video content over the internet.
很多网红都会在网上做直播。 (Hěnduō wǎnghóng dōuhuì zài wǎngshàng zuò zhíbō.) – Many internet celebrities do live streams online.

博客 (bókè) – Blog
A personal or themed website with posts typically displayed in reverse chronological order.
他的博客里有很多有趣的旅行故事。 (Tā de bókè lǐ yǒu hěnduō yǒuqù de lǚxíng gùshì.) – His blog has many interesting travel stories.

点赞 (diǎnzàn) – To Like (social media)
The action of showing approval or support for a post on social media by clicking the ‘like’ button.
如果你喜欢这个视频，请给我点赞。 (Rúguǒ nǐ xǐhuān zhè ge shìpín, qǐng gěi wǒ diǎnzàn.) – If you like this video, please give it a like.

关注 (guānzhù) – To Follow (on social media)
To subscribe to updates from a particular user on social media.
我已经关注了你的微博。 (Wǒ yǐjīng guānzhùle nǐ de wēibó.) – I have already followed your Weibo.

评论 (pínglùn) – Comment (on posts or articles)
The act of leaving a response or opinion on someone else’s post or article.
请在下方评论你的想法。 (Qǐng zài xiàfang pínglùn nǐ de xiǎngfǎ.) – Please comment your thoughts below.

分享 (fēnxiǎng) – To Share
To post or distribute content on the internet for others to see.
她喜欢在社交网络上分享美食照片。 (Tā xǐhuān zài shèjiāo wǎngluò shàng fēnxiǎng měishí zhàopiàn.) – She likes to share photos of food on social media.

网络安全 (wǎngluò ānquán) – Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
网络安全对每个上网的人来说都非常重要。 (Wǎngluò ānquán duì měi ge shàngwǎng de rén lái shuō dōu fēicháng zhòngyào.) – Cybersecurity is very important for everyone who goes online.

流量 (liúliàng) – Traffic (internet)
The amount of data moving to and from a website or the number of users visiting a website.
这个网站的流量在过去的几个月里翻了一番。 (Zhège wǎngzhàn de liúliàng zài guòqù de jǐ gè yuè lǐ fānle yī fān.) – The traffic to this website has doubled in the past few months.

Understanding these terms is a step forward in bridging the gap between language and technology. As you continue to learn and engage with Chinese-speaking communities online, incorporating these words into your vocabulary will help you navigate and understand the internet and social media in a Chinese context more fluently. Happy learning!