English-speaking countries have greater understanding of Chinese vocabulary, concepts: report

BEIJING -- There is increased understanding of Chinese vocabulary and concepts outside China, and more Chinese words are being used in the English language, according to a recent report.

"Shaolin," a form of Chinese kung fu, was listed as the most recognized Chinese word, according a report issued by the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration (CFLPA) on Saturday.

Top ten list words and concepts also included: "yin yang," "yuan," "gugong," "nihao," "wushu," "qi," "qigong," "renminbi," and "majiang or mahjong."

Chinese concepts listed among the top 100 include those featuring Chinese traditional festivals, soft power, economic, scientific and technological development, such as "a community with a shared future," "Belt and Road," "Alipay," and "Chang'e lunar probes."

Citing the report, China Central Television (CCTV) said that many Chinese words which were previously translated into English have now been replaced by the pinyin, such as "jiaozi" replacing "dumpling," and "mantou" replacing "steamed bun."

Words related to the Spring Festival have also been searched frequently on English-language websites in recent years, including "chunlian," the Spring Festival couplets, "chunyun," the Spring Festival travel rush, "chunwan," the CCTV New Year's Gala, and "hongbao," red envelopes containing money.

The festival is now being celebrated in more countries around the world, CCTV said, adding that Chinese elements have also been used by leading fashion designers, including dragon, phoenix and peony designs, as well as the Chinese zodiac animals.

The report came from surveys in eight major English-speaking countries, and also calculated data of more than 300 Chinese vocabulary entries which appeared on the mainstream media websites in English-speaking countries.