In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to synchronize' or 'be in sync' with someone or something.
- Used for technology, work schedules, and shared life goals.
- Combines 'same' and 'step' to describe moving at one pace.
Meaning
It means doing things at the same time or being on the same page. Think of it as two dancers moving in perfect rhythm or your phone updating its data with the cloud.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining about a bad internet connection
声音和画面不同步。
The sound and picture are not in sync.
Coordinating with a coworker
我们需要同步一下进度。
We need to sync up on our progress.
Texting a friend about a plan
把你的日历跟我同步一下吧。
Sync your calendar with mine.
Cultural Background
Originally a technical term for physics and engineering, `同步` exploded in popularity with the rise of smartphones and cloud computing in China. It now represents the modern Chinese ideal of efficiency and 'being in the loop' with global trends.
Tech Talk
If your phone is acting up, look for the 'Sync' button in settings—it will almost certainly be labeled `同步`.
Don't confuse with 'Together'
If you want to go to a movie with someone, say `一起`. If you want the movie to start at the same time in two cities, use `同步`.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to synchronize' or 'be in sync' with someone or something.
- Used for technology, work schedules, and shared life goals.
- Combines 'same' and 'step' to describe moving at one pace.
What It Means
同步 is all about alignment. It literally means 'same step.' Imagine walking down the street with a friend. If your left feet hit the ground at the same time, you are 同步. In modern life, it applies to technology, work, and relationships. It is the feeling of being perfectly in sync.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or an adjective. If you want to say two things happen together, use 同步. For example, 'The video and audio are not 同步.' It is very common in tech. You 'sync' your files. You 'sync' your schedule. It is also used for people. If you and your partner have the same goals, you are 同步.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing schedules with colleagues. It is perfect for project management. Use it when your Bluetooth headphones are lagging. It is great for talking about lifestyle changes. If you and your bestie both decide to start a diet, you are 同步. Use it during a movie if the subtitles are too fast. It sounds smart but remains very practical.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple 'togetherness.' If you are just eating dinner with someone, use 一起. 同步 implies a shared pace or frequency. Don't use it for romantic 'chemistry' (that's 默契). It is a bit too mechanical for deep soulmate talk. Avoid it in very ancient or poetic contexts. It feels modern and crisp, not old-fashioned.
Cultural Background
China has moved fast into the digital age. This term grew from technical jargon into daily slang. It reflects a society that values efficiency and coordination. In a fast-paced city like Shanghai, being 同步 with the world is a point of pride. It shows you are up-to-date and not lagging behind.
Common Variations
You will often hear 不同步. This is the frustrating 'out of sync' feeling. There is also 同步进行, which means 'proceeding simultaneously.' In gaming, players talk about 同步率 or 'sync rate.' It makes you sound like a pro who knows exactly what is happening.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile across all registers. In professional settings, it functions as a verb for 'aligning' or 'updating.' In casual settings, it often refers to digital media or shared activities.
Tech Talk
If your phone is acting up, look for the 'Sync' button in settings—it will almost certainly be labeled `同步`.
Don't confuse with 'Together'
If you want to go to a movie with someone, say `一起`. If you want the movie to start at the same time in two cities, use `同步`.
The 'Vibe' Check
Young Chinese professionals use `同步` to sound efficient. It's a 'corporate' word that migrated into cool, daily speech.
Examples
6声音和画面不同步。
The sound and picture are not in sync.
A very common tech-related frustration.
我们需要同步一下进度。
We need to sync up on our progress.
Standard office talk for a quick catch-up meeting.
把你的日历跟我同步一下吧。
Sync your calendar with mine.
Using the word as a direct action/verb.
我们连打哈欠都同步！
We even yawn at the same time!
Highlights the 'same step' literal meaning playfully.
两个人的成长需要同步。
Two people need to grow at the same pace.
Used metaphorically for relationship development.
该软件将全球同步发售。
The software will be released globally simultaneously.
Formal business usage for product launches.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to describe a video lag.
这个电影的字幕和声音不___。
`同步` is the specific term for audio/visual synchronization.
Complete the sentence about a meeting.
开会是为了让大家的信息保持___。
In a meeting, you want everyone's information to be 'in sync' or updated to the same level.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 同步
Texting friends about plans
咱们同步一下时间。
Daily tech usage
数据正在同步中。
Business or News
两地同步举行活动。
Where to use 同步
Cloud Storage
Syncing photos
Dancing
Moving in rhythm
Work
Project updates
Relationships
Growing together
Practice Bank
2 exercises这个电影的字幕和声音不___。
`同步` is the specific term for audio/visual synchronization.
开会是为了让大家的信息保持___。
In a meeting, you want everyone's information to be 'in sync' or updated to the same level.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but specifically when two processes are aligned. For example, 同步翻译 means simultaneous interpretation.
Not at all! You can use it for people walking, dancers, or even two countries passing a law 同步立法.
Just add 不 (bù) in front: 不同步. For example, 画面不同步 (The picture is out of sync).
It is neutral. It is used in both casual texting and formal news broadcasts.
You would say 同步更新. This is very common for app updates or news feeds.
Usually, we use 默契 (mòqì) for emotional chemistry. 同步 is more about the timing and action.
同时 just means 'at the same time.' 同步 implies the two things are connected or following the same pace.
Yes, it can mean 'synchronization' as a concept, like in 数据同步 (data synchronization).
You can say 我和他步调同步, meaning 'He and I are in step/at the same pace.'
It means 'sync rate.' It's often used in sci-fi or gaming to show how well a pilot matches their robot!
Related Phrases
同时
At the same time
默契
Tacit understanding / Chemistry
一致
Consistent / Identical
更新
To update
