10 Untranslatable Chinese Words and What They Truly Mean

Some words transcend mere linguistic symbols; they are, in essence, cultural microcosms. In Chinese, numerous such words carry distinct cultural connotations, philosophical insights, or life wisdom, rendering them exceptionally challenging to translate precisely with a single English equivalent. Grasping these "untranslatable" terms will enable you to appreciate the beauty of the Chinese language and the essence of Chinese culture more profoundly. Today, let us delve into 10 such Chinese words and unearth their true meanings.

Words That Embody Chinese Culture and Thought

1. 缘分 (Yuánfèn)

Literal Meaning: Predetermined relationship/destiny.
True Meaning: Pertains to fated encounters, profound connections, or significant relationships between individuals. It transcends mere coincidence, hinting at a mystical, predetermined bond, be it love, camaraderie, or familial ties.
Example: “我们能在这里相遇，真是缘分啊！” (It is truly yuanfen that we were destined to meet here!)

2. 撒娇 (Sājiāo)

Literal Meaning: Acting spoilt/coquettish.
True Meaning: Denotes acting endearingly cute, or exhibiting a slightly childish demeanour towards a close individual (such as parents or a romantic partner) to express dependence, garner attention, or accomplish a specific objective. It is a behaviour that suggests vulnerability and a deep level of intimacy.
Example: “她一撒娇，男朋友就什么都答应了。” (The moment she indulged in sajiao, her boyfriend readily agreed to all her requests.)

3. 关系 (Guānxì)

Literal Meaning: Relationship.
True Meaning: In Chinese culture, "关系" (guānxì) transcends mere human connections; it specifically denotes a social network predicated on reciprocity, trust, and emotional ties. It frequently signifies an informal influence cultivated through mutual favours and sustained interactions, which can be leveraged to accomplish tasks or access valuable resources.
Example: “在中国办事，关系很重要。” (In China, for getting things done, guanxi is paramount.)

4. 上火 (Shànghuǒ)

Literal Meaning: Acquire fire/heat.
True Meaning: This is a concept rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), describing a cluster of uncomfortable bodily symptoms such as mouth ulcers, sore throat, constipation, and irritability, commonly linked to the consumption of spicy/fried foods or prolonged periods of staying awake. It is not an inflammation in the purview of Western medicine, but rather a state of internal imbalance within the body.
Example: “最近老熬夜，我有点上火了。” (I have been burning the midnight oil recently, so I am feeling a bit shanghuo.)

5. 面子 (Miànzi)

Literal Meaning: Face.
True Meaning: Pertains to an individual's dignity, reputation, social standing, and public image. In Chinese culture, preserving one's own "face" and extending "face" to others is paramount, significantly influencing people's discourse, conduct, and social interactions.
Example: “你这样做，让他很没面子。” (Your actions caused him to lose considerable mianzi.)

6. 凑合 (Còuhé)

Literal Meaning: Make do/patch up.
True Meaning: Denotes the act of making do, managing adequately, or accepting something that, while not flawless, is deemed acceptable. It mirrors a pragmatic, adaptable, and occasionally somewhat resigned approach to life.
Example: “这件衣服虽然旧了点，但还能凑合穿。” (This garment is a tad old, but it can still be couhe for wear.)

7. 孝顺 (Xiàoshùn)

Literal Meaning: Filial piety/obedience.
True Meaning: Pertains to children's profound respect, love, unwavering support, and obedience towards their parents. This is a highly cherished virtue in traditional Chinese culture, underscoring gratitude and responsibility towards elders.
Example: “他是一个非常孝顺的孩子。” (He is a truly xiaoshun child.)

8. 留白 (Liúbái)

Literal Meaning: Leave blank/white space.
True Meaning: Originating from traditional Chinese art forms (such as ink wash painting), it denotes the deliberate act of leaving blank spaces within a composition to afford the viewer scope for imagination or to accentuate the primary subject. When extended to life and communication, it implies refraining from overly definitive statements or actions to the extreme, thereby allowing for flexibility and nuanced interpretation.
Example: “他的演讲很有艺术性，懂得留白。” (His speech was highly artistic; he truly understood the art of liubai.)

9. 走心 (Zǒuxīn)

Literal Meaning: Traverse the heart/penetrate the heart.
True Meaning: Denotes performing an action wholeheartedly, investing genuine emotion and considerable effort, rather than merely going through the motions. It underscores sincerity and profound emotional investment.
Example: “这首歌唱得很走心，我听哭了。” (This song was sung with immense zouxin; it brought tears to my eyes.)

10. 佛系 (Fóxì)

Literal Meaning: Buddhist-style.
True Meaning: Pertains to a lifestyle attitude characterised by non-competitiveness, contentment with one's current circumstances, and a relaxed approach to matters. It draws its origins from the Buddhist principle of "absence of desires," yet it is frequently employed by young individuals to characterise a perceived lack of enthusiasm or ambition concerning life and professional pursuits.
Example: “他现在工作很佛系，不加班，不内卷。” (He is quite foxi at work these days; he avoids overtime and steers clear of intense internal competition.)

These words serve as profound windows into comprehending Chinese culture and its underlying thought processes. By internalising them, you will not only enrich your lexical repertoire but also cultivate a more profound appreciation for the distinct allure of the Chinese language.