标语

• Pinyin: biāo yǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 标 = 木 (wood) + 示 (show); 语 = 讠 (speech) + 吾 (I)

Meaning

Slogan; banner; motto.

Short phrases displayed publicly for propaganda, advertising, or motivation. Very common in China on buildings, streets, and in workplaces. Can be political slogans, safety reminders, or promotional catchphrases.

Examples

1. 学校墙上贴满了鼓励学习的标语。 The school walls are covered with slogans encouraging study.
2. 这条环保标语简洁有力，很容易记住。 This environmental slogan is concise and powerful — easy to remember.
3. 那个年代到处都是政治标语，现在很多已经成了历史记忆。 In that era, political slogans were everywhere; many have now become historical memories.

Usage Guide

Context: propaganda, advertising, public spaces

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个标语很醒目。(This slogan is very eye-catching.)
• 墙上贴着安全标语。(Safety slogans are posted on the wall.)

Don't Say

• 把长篇文字叫标语 (Don't call long text 标语 — slogans are short, punchy phrases)

Origin & History

标 (mark) + 语 (words). Words used as markers/signs.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal