In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese verb for clicking a mouse or screen.
- Combines 'point' and 'strike' to describe a digital touch.
- Used for links, buttons, and navigating apps or websites.
Meaning
It describes the physical or digital act of clicking a button or a link, usually on a computer or smartphone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Helping a friend with a website
请点击这个链接。
Please click this link.
Professional email instruction
点击下方按钮即可报名。
Click the button below to sign up.
Texting a funny video
快点击看这个，太好笑了！
Quick, click and watch this, it's hilarious!
Cultural Background
The phrase rose to prominence during China's internet boom in the late 1990s. It successfully bridged the gap between traditional 'pointing' and the new mechanical action of a mouse. Today, it is central to the 'attention economy' in China, where 'click rates' determine the success of influencers and businesses alike.
Shorten it for speed
In casual speech, you can just say `点` (diǎn). For example: `点那个红色的` (Click the red one).
Not for physical buttons
Don't use `点击` for an elevator button or a car horn. Use `按` (àn) for those heavy-duty physical presses.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Chinese verb for clicking a mouse or screen.
- Combines 'point' and 'strike' to describe a digital touch.
- Used for links, buttons, and navigating apps or websites.
What It Means
点击 is your go-to word for anything involving a mouse or a touchscreen. Think of it as the digital heartbeat of the internet. The first character 点 means to point or touch lightly. The second character 击 means to hit or strike. Together, they perfectly capture that 'click' sound and action. It is simple, direct, and used millions of times a day across China.
How To Use It
You use it just like the English verb 'to click.' You can 点击 a link, a button, or an image. It usually takes a direct object. For example, you might tell a friend to 点击这里 (click here). It is very versatile. You can use it as a verb or even as part of a noun phrase like 点击率 (click-through rate). It feels natural in almost any digital conversation.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you are navigating the web or using an app. If you are helping your grandma fix her phone, you will use 点击. If you are sending a professional email with a link, you will use 点击. It is the standard term for UI interactions. It is perfect for tech support, web design, or just sharing a funny video link with a colleague.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 点击 for physical buttons that require force. For a light switch or a doorbell, use 按 (to press). You also would not use it for 'clicking' your fingers; that is a different word entirely. It is strictly for the digital world or very light tapping. Don't use it if you are 'clicking' with someone emotionally either—that is a different vibe!
Cultural Background
Before the internet, 点击 was not a common pair. As computers flooded China in the 90s, this term became the standard translation for the English 'click.' It reflects China's rapid digital transformation. Now, even toddlers know this word before they can write their names. It is a symbol of the modern, connected lifestyle in cities like Beijing and Shenzhen.
Common Variations
You will often see 点开 which means 'click to open.' There is also 双击 for a 'double click.' In casual mobile contexts, people might just say 点 to save time. If you are talking about how popular a video is, you talk about its 点击量 (number of clicks). It is a foundational word for the digital age.
Usage Notes
Perfect for all digital contexts. It is a neutral term that fits both professional software documentation and casual chatting about apps.
Shorten it for speed
In casual speech, you can just say `点` (diǎn). For example: `点那个红色的` (Click the red one).
Not for physical buttons
Don't use `点击` for an elevator button or a car horn. Use `按` (àn) for those heavy-duty physical presses.
The 'Click' Economy
The term `点击量` (click volume) is a huge deal in China. It's the primary metric for how 'hot' a celebrity or news story is.
Examples
6请点击这个链接。
Please click this link.
A very standard, helpful instruction.
点击下方按钮即可报名。
Click the button below to sign up.
Commonly found in marketing or official emails.
快点击看这个，太好笑了！
Quick, click and watch this, it's hilarious!
Informal use among friends sharing content.
我点击了好几次，但没反应。
I clicked it several times, but there's no response.
Expressing a technical issue.
别乱点击，小心有病毒！
Don't click randomly, watch out for viruses!
A playful but serious warning about internet safety.
当我点击‘删除’时，我哭了。
When I clicked 'delete', I cried.
Using a digital action to convey emotional weight.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the instruction for opening a file.
请___这个图标打开文件。
`点击` (click) is the correct action to take on an icon (`图标`) to open a file.
How do you say 'double click' in Chinese?
如果你想打开它，你需要___。
`双` means double, so `双击` is the term for a double-click.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '点击'
Used in texts or with friends.
点一下这个。
Standard usage in most situations.
点击这里。
Used in software manuals or official UI.
请点击确认按钮。
Where to use '点击'
Browsing Web
点击链接
Mobile Apps
点击图标
Online Shopping
点击购买
Gaming
点击开始
Practice Bank
2 exercises请___这个图标打开文件。
`点击` (click) is the correct action to take on an icon (`图标`) to open a file.
如果你想打开它，你需要___。
`双` means double, so `双击` is the term for a double-click.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is used for both computer mice and smartphone touchscreens. Whether you are using a finger or a cursor, 点击 is the right word.
No, that would sound strange. For a physical switch, use 按 (àn) or 开 (kāi).
It is neutral. You can use it in a casual text like 点击看图 (click to see the pic) or in a formal manual.
点击 is the full verb, while 点 is a casual shorthand. You'll hear 点一下 (click once) very often in conversation.
The term is 点击率 (diǎnjī lǜ). It's a very common term in Chinese marketing and social media circles.
Yes, it is 右击 (yòujī) or 点击右键 (diǎnjī yòujiàn). Similarly, 'left-click' is 左击 (zuǒjī).
No, Chinese doesn't use this word for social chemistry. For that, you might say 合得来 (hé de lái).
It means 'click to open.' For example, 点开大图 means 'click to expand the image.'
In Taiwan, people often use 點選 (diǎnxuǎn) or simply 點 (diǎn), though 點擊 is understood.
Usually, for a camera, we say 按快门 (àn kuàimén). 点击 is reserved for the screen interface.
Related Phrases
按
To press (physical buttons)
刷新
To refresh (a page)
链接
Link (URL)
确认
To confirm/OK
