Chinese Technology Vocabulary: WeChat, QR Codes and Everyday Digital Life

Everyday life in China runs on smartphones, from messaging and payments to transport and food delivery. Knowing the words helps you follow instructions and use apps confidently.

Devices

• 手机 (shǒujī) — mobile phone
• 电脑 (diànnǎo) — computer
• 平板电脑 (píngbǎn diànnǎo) — tablet
• 屏幕 (píngmù) — screen
• 电池 (diànchí) — battery
• 充电器 (chōngdiànqì) — charger
• 耳机 (ěrjī) — headphones

Internet and apps

• 网络 (wǎngluò) — network, internet
• 无线网 / WiFi — Wi-Fi
• 应用 (yìngyòng) — app
• 网站 (wǎngzhàn) — website
• 账号 (zhànghào) — account
• 密码 (mìmǎ) — password

Messaging

• 微信 (Wēixìn) — WeChat, the dominant messaging app, launched in 2011
• 发消息 (fā xiāoxi) — send a message
• 语音 (yǔyīn) — voice message
• 视频通话 (shìpín tōnghuà) — video call
• 朋友圈 (péngyouquān) — WeChat Moments
• 加好友 (jiā hǎoyǒu) — add as a friend

QR codes and payment

• 二维码 (èrwéimǎ) — QR code
• 扫码 (sǎomǎ) — scan a code
• 付款 (fùkuǎn) — pay
• 微信支付 / 支付宝 — WeChat Pay / Alipay

QR codes are used everywhere in China: for adding friends, paying, ordering food and unlocking shared bikes.

Actions

• 下载 (xiàzài) — download
• 上传 (shàngchuán) — upload
• 登录 (dēnglù) — log in
• 搜索 (sōusuǒ) — search
• 充电 (chōngdiàn) — charge
• 连接 (liánjiē) — connect
• 截图 (jiétú) — screenshot

Useful phrases

• 你有微信吗？ (Nǐ yǒu Wēixìn ma?) — Do you have WeChat?
• 可以加你微信吗？ (Kěyǐ jiā nǐ Wēixìn ma?) — Can I add you on WeChat?
• WiFi 密码是什么？ (WiFi mìmǎ shì shénme?) — What is the Wi-Fi password?
• 我的手机没电了。 (Wǒ de shǒujī méi diàn le.) — My phone has run out of battery.

Tips for travellers

• Many foreign apps and websites are not accessible in mainland China, so check before you travel which services you'll need and plan alternatives.
• Download offline maps and translation tools in advance.
• Set up mobile payment options before arriving, and carry some cash as a backup.
• Keep a copy of key addresses in Chinese characters.

Digital manners

In group chats, it's common to use voice messages and stickers. Sending red packets (红包, hóngbāo) digitally on WeChat is a popular custom at Chinese New Year and for celebrations.