SubscribeLog in
Connect with us

China in Translation

Chinese Government Says No To Internet Slang

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has notified Chinese media that they are no longer allowed to use Internet slang.
Manya Koetse

Published

12 years ago

on

Trending on Sina Weibo is a new guideline announced by the Chinese government. The Chinese national press, including the People’s Daily, has released a notification from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) about the use of Chinese language in television programs and commercials. These media often use Chinese expressions in various ways, mixing up the characters or using new catchphrases that find their origins on the Internet. In order to preserve and promote…

Related Topics:
Manya Koetse

Manya Koetse is a sinologist, writer, and public speaker specializing in China’s social trends, digital culture, and online media ecosystems. She founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 and now runs the Eye on Digital China newsletter. Learn more at manyakoetse.com or follow her on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

China in Translation

China’s 2025 Year in Review in 12 Phrases

Andrew Methven’s favorite Chinese phrases of the year, a special feature by RealTime Mandarin.
Andrew Methven

Published

8 months ago

on

December 31, 2025

By

Dear Reader,

Happy New Year! A new year is, undoubtedly, filled with new resolutions. I have a few on my list, and maybe we have some in common—like reading more books (my new e-reader is arriving from Shenzhen tomorrow!) and being more diligent about practicing my new Chinese vocabulary.

If upping your Chinese is also on your list for 2026, Andrew Methven’s newsletter, RealTime Mandarin, is a must-follow. It’s a free weekly resource that…

Continue Reading

China in Translation

Jiehun Huazhai (结婚化债): Getting Married to Pay Off Debts

Manya Koetse

Published

1 year ago

on

July 3, 2025

By

🔥 A version of this story also appeared in the Weibo Watch newsletter. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

Our Weibo phrase of the week is 结婚化债 jiéhūn huàzhài. Lately, the term “结婚化债” jiéhūn huàzhài, which translates to “marriage as debt resolution” or “getting married to resolve debt” is a recurring term on Chinese social media.

The word refers to a phenomenon that has become more prevalent alongside rising debts among…

Continue Reading

Subscribe

Eye on Digital China is a reader-supported publication by
Manya Koetse (@manyapan) and powered by What’s on Weibo.
It offers independent analysis of China’s online culture, media, and social trends.

To receive the newsletter and support this work, consider
becoming a paid subscriber.

Manya Koetse's Profile Picture

Get in touch

Have a tip, story lead, or book recommendation? Interested in contributing? For ideas, suggestions, or just a quick hello, reach out here.

Popular Reads