888
Meaning: Clapping — because 8 is read as パチ (pachi), mimicking the sound of clapping hands. Used on live streams.
888 (or 8888888) represents the sound of clapping because the number 8 in Japanese can be read as パチ (pachi), which is the onomatopoeia for a single clap. Strings of 8s create パチパチパチ (clap clap clap), making it the digital equivalent of applause. This is the standard way to show appreciation on Japanese live streaming platforms, especially Niconico.
Examples
- 演奏すごかった!888888 演奏太厉害了!888888¡La interpretación ha sido increíble! 888888연주 대단했어! 888888
- 888、感動した! 888,好感动!888, ¡me ha emocionado!888, 감동받았어!
- クリアおめ!88888888。 通关了恭喜!88888888。¡Enhorabuena por pasártelo! 88888888.클리어 축하! 88888888.
Pronunciation
/pa.tɕi pa.tɕi pa.tɕi/
Usage Guide
Context: live streaming, Niconico, YouTube Live, gaming streams
Tone: appreciative, celebratory
✓ Do Say
- 888888、お疲れ様でした! (Clap clap, great work!)888888,辛苦了!(啪啪啪,辛苦了!)888888、お疲れ様でした! (Aplauso aplauso, ¡buen trabajo!)888888, 수고하셨습니다! (짝짝짝, 수고하셨어요!)
- 最高のパフォーマンスだった、888! (That was the best performance, *clap*!)最棒的表演,888!(那是最精彩的表演,*鼓掌*!)最高のパフォーマンスだった、888! (Ha sido la mejor actuación, ¡*aplauso*!)최고의 퍼포먼스였어, 888! (최고의 퍼포먼스였어, *짝짝짝*!)
✗ Don't Say
- メールや普通のテキストで「888」は意味が通じない (Using '888' in emails or normal text won't be understood — it's streaming-specific)在邮件或普通短信中使用'888'别人不会理解——这是直播专用的メールや普通のテキストで「888」は意味が通じない (Usar '888' en correos electrónicos o mensajes normales no se entenderá — es específico del streaming)이메일이나 일반 문자에서 '888'은 의미가 통하지 않는다 (이메일이나 일반 문자에서 '888'을 쓰면 이해되지 않는다 — 스트리밍 전용 표현이기 때문)
Common Mistakes
- Using 888 outside of live streaming contexts where the convention isn't known
- Not knowing the connection between 8 (hachi/pachi) and clapping
Origin & History
Originated on Niconico (ニコニコ動画) live streaming. The number 8 is read as はち (hachi) but also resembles パチ (pachi, clap sound). Typing streams of 8s creates a visual flood of 'clapping' in the comment overlay, replicating the experience of audience applause.
Cultural Context
Era: Late 2000s Niconico live streaming
Generation: Stream viewers, all ages
Social background: Internet/streaming culture
Regional notes: Used across Japan in live streaming contexts. One of the most distinctive features of Japanese streaming culture.
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