华语

• Pinyin: Huá yǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 华 = Chinese/splendid; 语 = language

Meaning

Chinese language; Mandarin. The language spoken by Chinese people.

Term used especially in Southeast Asia and Taiwan to refer to Mandarin Chinese. Encompasses both spoken and written Chinese. Often used in cultural and media contexts.

Examples

1. 华语电影在国际上越来越受欢迎。 Chinese-language films are becoming increasingly popular internationally.
2. 这首华语歌曲红遍了整个亚洲。 This Mandarin song became a hit across all of Asia.
3. 新加坡的华语教育很有特色。 Singapore's Chinese language education is quite distinctive.

Usage Guide

Context: media, culture, education, regional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他是著名的华语歌手。(He is a famous Chinese-language singer.)
• 华语流行音乐很受欢迎。(Mandopop is very popular.)

Don't Say

• 华语 in mainland China for 'Chinese language' (汉语 or 中文 is more common in mainland China; 华语 is more Southeast Asian usage)

Origin & History

Compound of 华 (Chinese, splendid) + 语 (language), meaning the language of Chinese people.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal