打字

You use 打字 just like the English verb 'to type.' You can use it as a standalone action. You can also describe how someone types. For example, you can say someone types fast or slow. It usually sits at the end of a sentence or after a subject. It is very versatile and easy to plug into basic sentences. Just don't try to use it for handwriting!

Use this whenever digital text is involved. Use it at the office when discussing reports. Use it when you are texting a friend and they are taking too long. It is perfect for technical support situations too. If your keyboard is broken, you can't 打字. It is the go-to word for the digital age. Even grandma uses this word for her WeChat messages now.

Do not use 打字 if you are using a pen. That is 写字 (writing characters). Also, avoid using it for 'inputting' data in a general sense if it doesn't involve a keyboard. If you are using voice-to-text, you aren't really 打字. Don't use it for playing the piano either. Even though you 'hit' keys, that is a different word entirely!

Before computers, 打字 referred to using old-school typewriters. In the 80s and 90s, being a 'typist' was a specialized professional skill in China. Now, everyone does it. Interestingly, Chinese typing involves 'Pinyin' or 'Wubi' input methods. This means 打字 in China is a mental game of choosing the right character from a list. It is like a mini-puzzle every time you press a key.

You will often hear 打字员 for a professional typist. People also say 打快点 which means 'type faster.' On apps like WeChat, you might see '对方正在输入' (the other party is inputting). But in conversation, everyone just says 打字. It is simple, effective, and hasn't changed in decades.