Catch Phrase | 字越少,事越大(Zìyuèshǎo,shìyuèdà)

Writer: Debra Li  |  Editor: Stephanie Yang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2020-09-01

Meaning:

“字” means “Chinese characters” and “事” means “the thing.” This saying can be translated as “the less words are used, the bigger the news will be.” It was jokingly used when the Spokesperson Office of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs first opened their official Sina Weibo account in May last year. “Less words, bigger news. We are here. Welcome to follow us,” the post said. Later the saying is used jokingly when something big is expected to happen. It’s often used in advertisements or publicity campaigns.

Example:

A: 这家公司的官方微博说”周一见”,不知道想干什么?

Zhèjiā gōngsī de guānfāng wēibó shuō “zhōuyī jiàn”,bù zhīdào xiǎng gànshénme?

This company left a post on its official Weibo account, saying “See you on Monday.” I’m wondering what will happen.

B: 字越少,事越大。估计要发新产品了。

Zìyuèshǎo,shìyuèdà。Gūjì yào fā xīnchǎnpǐn le。

Less words, bigger news. I guess they’re about to launch a new product.