In 15 Seconds
- Used for digital content, magazines, and recurring services.
- Literally means 'order to read' in a digital context.
- Common on apps like WeChat, Bilibili, and YouTube.
Meaning
It is the digital-age way of saying you want to follow or sign up for something regularly, like a YouTube channel, a newsletter, or a magazine.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a video on Bilibili
别忘了点赞和订阅我的频道！
Don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel!
Discussing a news service
我订阅了这份电子报。
I subscribed to this newsletter.
In a business meeting
我们的订阅用户上个月增长了百分之十。
Our subscribers grew by ten percent last month.
Cultural Background
Originally used for print media like 'People's Daily,' this term exploded with the rise of WeChat Subscription Accounts (订阅号). It represents the shift from traditional media to the creator economy in China. Interestingly, while Westerners 'follow' creators, Chinese platforms often distinguish between 'following' (关注) for social updates and 'subscribing' (订阅) for long-form content.
The 'Follow' vs 'Subscribe' Rule
Use `关注` (guānzhù) for people/social media profiles and `订阅` (dìngyuè) for content/services. If there is a 'feed,' use `订阅`.
Don't confuse with 'Booking'
Don't use `订阅` to book a hotel or a flight. Use `预订` (yùdìng) for that. They sound similar but are totally different!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for digital content, magazines, and recurring services.
- Literally means 'order to read' in a digital context.
- Common on apps like WeChat, Bilibili, and YouTube.
What It Means
订阅 is your go-to word for staying connected in the digital world. It literally means 'order to read.' Think of it as telling a creator, 'I like your stuff, keep it coming.' It covers everything from old-school newspaper deliveries to modern Netflix accounts and podcast feeds.
How To Use It
Using it is super simple. You usually put the thing you like right after the verb. For example, 订阅这个频道 means 'subscribe to this channel.' You will see this button everywhere on Chinese apps like WeChat, Bilibili, and Douyin. It functions as both a verb and a noun. You can say 'I want to subscribe' or 'Check my subscriptions.'
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are talking about media or services. Use it when you are browsing social media with friends. Use it in a professional meeting when discussing marketing newsletters. It is perfect for telling a colleague about a great industry magazine. It also works for digital services like Spotify or iCloud storage. If you pay or sign up for regular content, this is your word.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 订阅 for physical memberships like a gym or a social club. For those, use 入会 or 办理会员. Also, do not use it for one-time purchases. If you are just buying a single movie ticket, 订阅 will sound very strange. It implies a recurring relationship, not a one-night stand with a piece of content. Don't use it for 'following' a person on social media either; use 关注 for that.
Cultural Background
In the past, 订阅 was strictly for intellectuals who ordered thick literary journals. It felt very academic and serious. Today, the internet has made it incredibly casual. Everyone is 'ordering to read' something every five minutes. In China, the 'Subscription Economy' is huge. From vegetable delivery boxes to daily news summaries, the word is now part of the daily grind.
Common Variations
订阅号: This refers specifically to WeChat subscription accounts.订阅费: The subscription fee you probably forgot to cancel.已订阅: The satisfying 'Subscribed' status button.取消订阅: The 'Unsubscribe' button we all look for when our inbox gets too full.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral term suitable for all registers. Be careful not to use it for physical services like laundry or gym memberships where 'membership' terms are preferred.
The 'Follow' vs 'Subscribe' Rule
Use `关注` (guānzhù) for people/social media profiles and `订阅` (dìngyuè) for content/services. If there is a 'feed,' use `订阅`.
Don't confuse with 'Booking'
Don't use `订阅` to book a hotel or a flight. Use `预订` (yùdìng) for that. They sound similar but are totally different!
The WeChat Secret
In China, '订阅号' (Subscription Accounts) are the primary way people get news. If someone asks for your 'Subscription Account,' they are asking for your business's official WeChat blog.
Examples
6别忘了点赞和订阅我的频道！
Don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel!
A classic phrase used by every Chinese YouTuber/vlogger.
我订阅了这份电子报。
I subscribed to this newsletter.
Used for digital publications.
我们的订阅用户上个月增长了百分之十。
Our subscribers grew by ten percent last month.
Used as a noun here to refer to the user base.
这个播客太棒了，你一定要订阅。
This podcast is great; you definitely have to subscribe.
Informal recommendation between friends.
天呐，我忘了取消那个视频网站的订阅了！
Oh my god, I forgot to cancel that video site subscription!
Expressing regret over an accidental recurring payment.
我一直订阅他的专栏，因为他的文字很有力量。
I have always subscribed to his column because his writing is very powerful.
Shows long-term support and emotional connection.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a YouTube channel.
如果你喜欢我的视频，请点击___。
`订阅` is the standard term for subscribing to a channel. `买单` means to pay the bill, and `预订` is for booking hotels/tables.
How do you say 'Unsubscribe' in Chinese?
我不喜欢这个推送，我想___。
`取消` means to cancel, so `取消订阅` is the standard phrase for 'unsubscribe'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '订阅'
Telling a friend to check out a cool app.
快订阅这个号！
Standard button text on websites.
点击订阅
Business reports regarding user metrics.
订阅用户分析报告
Where to use '订阅'
Video Platforms
YouTube/Bilibili channels
Print/Digital Media
Magazines and Newsletters
Audio
Podcasts and Music apps
Software
SaaS or Cloud services
Practice Bank
2 exercises如果你喜欢我的视频，请点击___。
`订阅` is the standard term for subscribing to a channel. `买单` means to pay the bill, and `预订` is for booking hotels/tables.
我不喜欢这个推送，我想___。
`取消` means to cancel, so `取消订阅` is the standard phrase for 'unsubscribe'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for a gym membership, you should use 办卡 (bàn kǎ) or 加入会员 (jiārù huìyuán). 订阅 is strictly for information or digital services.
关注 is like 'following' someone on Instagram. 订阅 is like 'subscribing' to a magazine or a YouTube channel. 订阅 usually implies receiving specific content updates.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend when talking about a podcast or in a serious business meeting about revenue.
You can say 我有订阅 (Wǒ yǒu dìngyuè) or more commonly 我是订阅用户 (Wǒ shì dìngyuè yònghù).
Yes! For streaming services, you can say 订阅 Netflix or 订阅会员 (subscribe to a membership).
It is a specific type of WeChat account for bloggers and news outlets to push articles to their fans.
Not really, but people often just say 订 (dìng) for short in very casual contexts like 订个报纸.
Not necessarily. Just like in English, you can 订阅 a free newsletter or a free YouTube channel.
Confusing it with 预订 (yùdìng). Remember: 订阅 is for reading/content, 预订 is for booking/reservations.
The most common way is 点个订阅吧 (Diǎn gè dìngyuè ba), which means 'Give me a subscribe!'
Related Phrases
关注
To follow (social media)
预订
To book or reserve (hotel/table)
取消
To cancel
会员
Member / Membership
频道
Channel
