Catch Phrase | 可盐可甜(kěyán kětián)

Writer: Debra Li  | Editor: Stephanie Yang  | From:  | Updated: 2018-11-22

Meaning:

Literally, “可” means “possible,” “盐” means “salt,” and “甜” means “sweet.” Coined by Chinese netizens, this term is most often used by fans to praise their idols. In their eyes, their idols are always perfect, who can sometimes appear to be cool (a metaphoric and innovative use of “salt”) and other times appear to be sweet and lovely. The term reportedly was first used by fans to describe Chinese singer and actor Zhang Yixing, a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO.

Example:

A: 你认识小李的女朋友吗?

Nǐ rènshí xiǎolǐ de nǚpéngyou ma?

Do you know Xiaoli’s girlfriend?

B: 认识,是个可盐可甜的美女。

Rèn shí,shì ge kěyán kětián de měinǚ。

Yes, I do. She’s a pretty girl, sometimes cool and sometimes sweet.

A: 她做什么工作?

Tā zuò shénme gōngzuò?

What does she do for a living?

B: 时装模特。

Shízhuāng mótè。

She’s a fashion model.