存档
cundang
To file/archive
Littéralement: 存 (cún - to store/save) + 档 (dàng - file/record)
En 15 secondes
- To save game progress or archive digital files.
- Used for physical filing in professional office settings.
- Commonly used in gaming, IT, and administrative work.
- Cannot be used for saving money or saving lives.
Signification
It literally means to file a document, but in the modern world, it's the standard way to say 'save your progress' in a video game or 'archive' a chat.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Playing a video game with a friend
等一下，我先存个档。
Wait a second, let me save my game first.
In a professional office meeting
这份文件需要存档吗？
Does this document need to be archived?
Texting a coworker about a project
我已经把所有的资料存档了。
I've already archived all the materials.
Contexte culturel
The term carries weight because of the 'dàng'àn' system in China, where personal records are strictly kept. In pop culture, it gained a second life with the rise of PC gaming and internet cafes in the early 2000s. Today, it is often used metaphorically in 'time travel' web novels where characters wish they could 'reload a save' in real life.
The 'Ge' Trick
In casual speech, add '个' (ge) in the middle: `存个档`. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Not for Money!
Never use `存档` at a bank. If you tell a teller you want to `存档`, they will be very confused. Use `存款` (cúnkuǎn) or `存钱` (cúnqián) instead.
En 15 secondes
- To save game progress or archive digital files.
- Used for physical filing in professional office settings.
- Commonly used in gaming, IT, and administrative work.
- Cannot be used for saving money or saving lives.
What It Means
存档 is your digital safety net. Originally, it meant putting paper files into a cabinet. Now, it is the universal word for 'saving' in gaming. It also refers to official record-keeping in offices. Think of it as hitting 'Ctrl+S' on your life or your game.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb or a noun. In a game, you 'do' a 存档. In an office, you 'put' a document into 存档. It is very versatile. You can use it for digital files or physical folders. It implies that the information is now safe and permanent.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly if you play video games. Use it when finishing a project at work. Use it when you want to keep a chat history. It is perfect for any situation involving data storage. It feels organized and responsible.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for saving money. For money, use 存钱. Don't use it for 'saving' a person's life. That would be 救命. It is strictly for information, records, or game progress. Using it for a person sounds like you are turning them into a PDF.
Cultural Background
In China, 'the file' (档案) is a big deal. Every citizen has an official file that follows them. This history makes 存档 feel more significant than just 'saving.' In the 90s, it became the standard term for memory cards. Now, 'slaying the boss' and 'saving' is a shared cultural ritual.
Common Variations
You might hear 读档 which means to load a save. 自动存档 is the glorious auto-save feature we all love. In formal settings, people use 归档 for official archiving. If you lose your progress, you might cry about a 存档丢失 (lost save).
Notes d'usage
The phrase is safe to use in almost any context involving data or records. Just remember that in gaming, it's the only word to use, while in office work, it's interchangeable with 'archiving.'
The 'Ge' Trick
In casual speech, add '个' (ge) in the middle: `存个档`. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Not for Money!
Never use `存档` at a bank. If you tell a teller you want to `存档`, they will be very confused. Use `存款` (cúnkuǎn) or `存钱` (cúnqián) instead.
Life as a Game
Young Chinese people often use `存档` metaphorically. If they say 'I wish I had a save point,' they are expressing regret about a life choice.
Exemples
6等一下，我先存个档。
Wait a second, let me save my game first.
Here '个' is used to make the tone more casual.
这份文件需要存档吗？
Does this document need to be archived?
Standard professional inquiry about record-keeping.
我已经把所有的资料存档了。
I've already archived all the materials.
Shows completion of a task.
如果人生可以存档就好了。
If only life had a save point.
A common 'gamer' sentiment about wishing for do-overs.
糟了！我忘了存档，三个小时白玩了。
Oh no! I forgot to save; three hours of playing for nothing.
Expressing frustration over lost digital progress.
系统会自动存档吗？
Does the system auto-save?
Technical question about software behavior.
Teste-toi
You are about to turn off your computer after gaming. What do you need to do?
关机之前，别忘了___。
`存档` is for saving data/games, while `存钱` is for money and `存心` means 'intentionally'.
The boss asks you to put the old contracts away for long-term storage.
请把这些合同___到文件夹里。
`存档` means to archive/file. `读档` means to load a file, which is the opposite.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 存档
Shouting to a friend while gaming.
存个档！
Standard office or IT talk.
请及时存档。
Official government or legal archiving.
此件已存档备案。
Where to use 存档
Video Games
Save points
Office Work
Filing contracts
Cloud Storage
Backing up photos
Chat History
Saving a thread
Banque d exercices
2 exercices关机之前，别忘了___。
`存档` is for saving data/games, while `存钱` is for money and `存心` means 'intentionally'.
请把这些合同___到文件夹里。
`存档` means to archive/file. `读档` means to load a file, which is the opposite.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but 保存 (bǎocún) is more common for just hitting 'save' on a document. 存档 implies a more permanent 'archiving' or a game save.
保存 is the general word for 'to save' (like a file). 存档 is more specific to 'archiving' or 'game saves'.
You use 读档 (dù dàng), which literally means 'reading the file.' This is the standard term in gaming.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss in an office or with your friends while playing League of Legends.
Absolutely. In an office, 存档 often refers to putting physical papers into a filing cabinet for long-term storage.
It means 'auto-save.' Most modern games and apps have this feature so you don't lose progress.
Not exactly slang, but gamers often say 存个档 (cún ge dàng) to sound more relaxed.
No, for phone contacts, use 保存 (bǎocún) or 新建联系人 (xīnjiàn liánxìrén).
It is called a 存档点 (cúndàng diǎn). You'll see this in RPG games.
No, for browser bookmarks, use 收藏 (shōucáng) which means 'to collect/favorite'.
Expressions liées
保存
To save (general use)
读档
To load a save (gaming)
归档
To archive (formal/office)
档案
File/Record/Dossier
