Everyone laughs, and in English, we often type "LOL." But have you ever wondered how to say LOL in Chinese? The Chinese ways to express amusement online are far more nuanced and engaging than a simple "haha." You'll discover a rich array of cool phrases that go beyond basic laughter. For instance, awsl (啊我死了) conveys a sense of playful defeat or overwhelming cuteness, while XSWL (笑死我了) literally means "laughing myself to death," indicating extreme amusement. People also use numbers to represent laughter, such as 233 (from an old forum emoji) or 5555 (which sounds like crying, but can also be used humorously). Knowing these phrases is key to understanding and participating in online conversations. It not only helps you communicate more effectively but also deepens your appreciation for Chinese internet culture. This blog will introduce you to 10 different ways you can say LOL in Chinese, suitable for various situations. Mastering these expressions will make your online interactions more authentic and lively.
Key Takeaways
Chinese online laughter has many forms. It goes beyond simple "haha."
"哈哈" (hǎ hā) is a common, friendly laugh. "呵呵" (hē hē) can be tricky; it might mean sarcasm.
Use "哈哈哈" (hǎ hā hā) for a big laugh. "233" is an internet meme for laughter.
"笑死我了" (xiào sǐ wǒ le) means "dying of laughter." It is for very funny things.
Context is important. Choose the right "LOL" to fit the situation and your friends.
Mastering How to Say LOL in Chinese: The Basics
You're ready to dive into the most common ways to express laughter in Chinese. These are your go-to phrases for everyday chats and online interactions. Understanding these basics is your first step in learning how to say LOL in Chinese effectively.
1. 哈哈 (hǎ hā): Universal Chuckle
When you want to express a simple, genuine laugh, 哈哈 (hǎ hā) is your best friend. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of "haha" or "LOL." It's straightforward, friendly, and you can use it in almost any situation where you find something genuinely amusing. You can use one "哈" for a small chuckle, or string many together for a bigger, heartier laugh. It shows you're happy and engaged.
Explanation: This is the most common and universally understood way to express laughter. It's informal, positive, and perfect for online chats, text messages, or even casual conversations. It rarely carries any negative connotations.
Example Sentences:
这个笑话太好笑了，哈哈！ (Zhège xiàohuà tài hǎoxiào le, hā hā!) This joke is so funny, haha!
你说的真有意思，哈哈。 (Nǐ shuō de zhēn yǒuyìsi, hā hā.) What you said is really interesting, haha.
我们今天玩得很开心，哈哈哈哈！ (Wǒmen jīntiān wán de hěn kāixīn, hā hā hā hā!) We had a great time today, hahahaha!
2. 呵呵 (hē hē): Ambiguous Giggle
Now, let's talk about 呵呵 (hē hē). This one is a bit trickier, but super important for you to understand how to say LOL in Chinese with nuance. While it sounds like a gentle chuckle, its meaning can change a lot depending on the context. It's an onomatopoeia, just like "haha," but it often carries a hidden message.
Explanation: Originally, 呵呵 could mean a mild, polite laugh. However, modern internet culture has given it a new life. Today, people often use 呵呵 for sarcasm, a perfunctory smile, or even to show helplessness or mild disdain. It's like the sarcastic "LOL" in English. You usually separate it from the main sentence with a comma. Be careful when you use it, as it can sometimes come across as ill-mannered if you intend genuine agreement.
Example Sentences:
Expressing Thanks (polite, mild amusement):
A: 妈妈，我给你买了一件衣服。 (Māma, wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi le yī jiàn yīfu.) Mom, I bought some clothes for you.
B: 呵呵，谢谢女儿了！ (Hē hē, xièxie nǚ'ér le!) Hehe, thanks!
Perfunctory Smile/Sarcasm (often implying disagreement or mild disdain):
A: 我觉得我穿这件衣服很漂亮。 (Wǒ juéde wǒ chuān zhè jiàn yīfu hěn piàoliang.) I think I look great in these clothes.
B: 呵呵。 (Hē hē.) Hehe. (This implies "Think so?" or a subtle disagreement, not genuine praise.)
你又迟到了，呵呵。 (Nǐ yòu chídào le, hē hē.) You're late again, hehe. (This could imply mild exasperation or a sarcastic "surprise.")
Expressing Stronger Laughter and Amusement
You want to show more than just a simple chuckle. Sometimes, something is so funny you need a stronger way to express it. This section helps you learn how to say LOL in Chinese when you are truly cracking up. These phrases show more intense or genuine amusement.
3. 哈哈哈 (hǎ hā hā): Hearty Laugh
When one "haha" is not enough, you add more! 哈哈哈 (hǎ hā hā) is your go-to for a hearty, genuine laugh. It shows you are really amused. Think of it as a full-blown belly laugh. You use it when something is truly hilarious and makes you laugh out loud.
Explanation: This expression is a more intense version of 哈哈. It conveys stronger, more heartfelt amusement. You can add as many "哈" as you like to show how much you are laughing. It is always positive and shows great joy.
Example Sentences:
这个视频太搞笑了，哈哈哈！ (Zhège shìpín tài gǎoxiào le, hā hā hā!) This video is so funny, hahahaha!
你讲的笑话让我笑得肚子疼，哈哈哈！ (Nǐ jiǎng de xiàohuà ràng wǒ xiào de dùzi téng, hā hā hā!) Your joke made my stomach hurt from laughing, hahahaha!
看到他那副表情，我忍不住哈哈哈大笑起来。 (Kàndào tā nà fù biǎoqíng, wǒ rěnbuzhù hā hā hā dàxiào qǐlái.) Seeing his expression, I couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter.
4. 233 / 23333: Internet Meme Laugh
You will often see numbers like 233 or 23333 in Chinese online chats. These are not just random numbers. They are a unique way to say "LOL" in Chinese internet culture. This numerical expression of laughter is different from words like haha or hehe.
Explanation: The internet meme laughter '233' started on the Chinese video site AcFun. It came from an old lineup of emojis. Specifically, emoji #233 showed a 'crazily laughing' face. This led to '233' being used to mean 'LOL'. Later, it also became popular on Mop.com, a former Chinese forum, where the 233rd emoticon depicted someone laughing hysterically. Adding more '3s', like '23333', makes the humor or exaggeration stronger. It is like spamming 'hahaha' or 'LMAO' in other online places. The number of '3's shows how intense or long the laughter is. You can use it for various types of amusement, even sarcasm or embarrassment, depending on the situation.
Example Sentences:
这个笑话太好笑了23333333! (Zhège xiàohuà tài hǎoxiào le 23333333!) This joke is so funny LOL!
你刚才的表演真是绝了，233。 (Nǐ gāngcái de biǎoyǎn zhēnshi jué le, 233.) Your performance just now was amazing, LOL.
我被你的回复笑死了，2333。 (Wǒ bèi nǐ de huífù xiào sǐ le, 2333.) Your reply made me laugh so hard, LOL.
5. 爆笑 (bào xiào): Bursting Laughter
Sometimes, something is so funny you just burst out laughing. That is when you use 爆笑 (bào xiào). This phrase means "to burst out laughing" or "hilarious." It describes a sudden, uncontrollable fit of laughter.
Explanation: 爆笑 (bào xiào) literally translates to 'burst into laughter'. You use it when something is incredibly funny and causes an immediate, strong reaction. It is perfect for describing moments that are truly hilarious and make you laugh loudly and suddenly.
Example Sentences:
这部电影的某个片段让我当场爆笑。 (Zhè bù diànyǐng de mǒu gè piànduàn ràng wǒ dāngchǎng bàoxiào.) A certain scene in this movie made me burst out laughing on the spot.
他的模仿真是爆笑，全场都乐了。 (Tā de mófǎng zhēnshi bàoxiào, quánchǎng dōu lè le.) His imitation was truly hilarious, the whole audience was amused.
那个意外的结局真是爆笑，我完全没想到。 (Nàgè yìwài de jiéjú zhēnshi bàoxiào, wǒ wánquán méi xiǎngdào.) That unexpected ending was truly hilarious, I never saw it coming.
Sarcastic, Awkward, or Subtle Laughter
Sometimes, laughter is not about pure joy. You might find yourself in a situation where you need to express amusement that is a bit more nuanced. This section helps you understand how to say LOL in Chinese when your feelings are more complex. These expressions cover awkwardness, forced smiles, or even involuntary bursts of amusement.
6. 尬笑 (gà xiào): Awkward Smile/Laugh
Have you ever felt like you had to laugh, even when nothing was truly funny? That is exactly what 尬笑 (gà xiào) means. It describes an awkward or forced laugh. You use it when you feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or just do not know how to react. It is a polite way to acknowledge something without showing genuine amusement.
Explanation: This term literally means "awkward laugh." You use it for situations where you feel a bit embarrassed or uncomfortable. It is a forced smile or a nervous chuckle. You might use it to ease tension or to respond to a bad joke. It shows you are trying to be polite, but you are not genuinely amused.
Example Sentences:
他说了一个冷笑话，我只能尬笑两声。 (Tā shuō le yī gè lěng xiàohuà, wǒ zhǐ néng gà xiào liǎng shēng.) He told a bad joke, and I could only give an awkward laugh.
被老师点名回答问题，我紧张得尬笑了一下。 (Bèi lǎoshī diǎnmíng huídá wèntí, wǒ jǐnzhāng de gà xiào le yī xià.) The teacher called on me to answer a question, and I nervously gave an awkward laugh.
听到他自嘲的话，大家只能尬笑。 (Tīng dào tā zìcháo de huà, dàjiā zhǐ néng gà xiào.) Hearing his self-deprecating remarks, everyone could only offer an awkward laugh.
7. 噗 (pū): Snort/Spit-take
Imagine something so unexpectedly funny that you almost snort or spit out your drink. That is the feeling 噗 (pū) captures. It is an onomatopoeia, a sound word, for a sudden, involuntary burst of laughter or a snort. You use it when you are trying to hold back laughter but fail.
Explanation: This particle refers to a specific sound of laughter. It is not a sighing tone, as some might think. Instead, it describes the sound you make when you are about to burst into laughter, or when you let out a quick snort. It is often related to 噗哧 (pū chī), which also describes a sudden, suppressed giggle or snicker. You use 噗 when something catches you off guard and makes you laugh suddenly.
Example Sentences:
噗，你刚才说什么？ (Pū, nǐ gāngcái shuō shénme?) Snort, what did you just say? (Used when someone says something ridiculous.)
他讲的笑话太出乎意料了，我差点噗地一声笑出来。 (Tā jiǎng de xiàohuà tài chūhū yìliào le, wǒ chàdiǎn pū de yī shēng xiào chūlái.) His joke was so unexpected, I almost snorted with laughter.
只听见噗哧的一声，众人哄然一笑。 (Zhǐ tīngjiàn pū chī de yī shēng, zhòngrén hōngrán yī xiào.) With a sudden snicker, everyone burst into laughter. (This shows how 噗哧, related to 噗, describes a sudden sound of amusement.)
More Playful and Expressive Options
You've learned the basics and even how to handle awkward laughs. Now, let's explore some more vivid and descriptive ways to show extreme amusement. These phrases help you truly convey how funny something is. You'll sound super natural when you use them.
8. 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le): Dying of Laughter
Sometimes, something is so incredibly funny that you feel like you're "dying of laughter." In Chinese, you say 笑死我了 (xiào sǐ wǒ le). This phrase literally means "laughed myself to death." It's China's version of "ROFL" or "LMAO." You use it when something is absolutely hilarious. Think of a perfect meme or a ridiculous comment thread. This phrase shows you are beyond amused. You can even shorten it to just 笑死 (xiào sǐ) for quick chats. Online, you often see it as XSWL, which is the Pinyin initialism for 笑死我了.
Explanation: This expression is for extreme amusement. It means you are laughing so hard you can barely breathe! It's perfect for responding to something truly side-splitting. You use it when you find something incredibly funny, like a hilarious video or a witty remark.
Example Sentences:
这个视频太搞笑了，笑死我了！ (Zhège shìpín tài gǎoxiào le, xiào sǐ wǒ le!) This video is so funny, I'm dying of laughter!
你刚才说的那个笑话，XSWL！ (Nǐ gāngcái shuō de nàgè xiàohuà, XSWL!) That joke you just told, LOL (dying of laughter)!
这张图片好搞笑，笑死！ (Zhè zhāng túpiàn hǎo gǎoxiào, xiào sǐ!) This photo is so funny, LOL!
9. 乐了 (lè le): Amused/Got a Kick
You might find something amusing or entertaining without bursting into full-blown laughter. That's where 乐了 (lè le) comes in handy. It means you "got a kick out of it" or you were "amused." It's a more subtle way to show you found something entertaining. This phrase is great for mild, genuine amusement.
Explanation: This phrase shows you found something genuinely amusing or entertaining. It's not as intense as "dying of laughter," but it still conveys a positive reaction. You use it when something brings a smile to your face or makes you feel happy.
Example Sentences:
看到他那副认真的样子，我真是乐了。 (Kàndào tā nà fù rènzhēn de yàngzi, wǒ zhēnshi lè le.) Seeing his serious look, I was truly amused.
你讲的这个故事真有意思，我乐了。 (Nǐ jiǎng de zhège gùshì zhēn yǒuyìsi, wǒ lè le.) This story you told is really interesting, I got a kick out of it.
今天收到这个小礼物，心里挺乐的。 (Jīntiān shōudào zhège xiǎo lǐwù, xīnlǐ tǐng lè de.) I received this small gift today, and I'm quite amused/happy inside.
10. 喜大普奔 (xǐ dà pǔ bēn): Overjoyed (Humorous)
This phrase is a bit more advanced, but it's super fun to use! 喜大普奔 (xǐ dà pǔ bēn) is an idiom. It means "great joy spreads everywhere." You use it to describe a situation where everyone is extremely happy or excited. However, people often use it humorously or ironically. It's perfect for hilariously good news or even ridiculous news.
Explanation: 喜大普奔 is a four-character idiom. It literally means "joy, great, universally, spread." It describes a scene of widespread celebration. You use it to express extreme happiness, often with a touch of exaggeration or irony. It's like saying "everyone is overjoyed and running around celebrating!"
Example Sentences:
听说公司发年终奖了，大家喜大普奔！ (Tīngshuō gōngsī fā niánzhōngjiǎng le, dàjiā xǐ dà pǔ bēn!) I heard the company is giving out year-end bonuses, everyone is overjoyed!
我的偶像终于发新歌了，我简直喜大普奔！ (Wǒ de ǒuxiàng zhōngyú fā xīngē le, wǒ jiǎnzhí xǐ dà pǔ bēn!) My idol finally released a new song, I'm practically overjoyed!
老板说今天不用加班，我们都喜大普奔了。 (Lǎobǎn shuō jīntiān bù yòng jiābān, wǒmen dōu xǐ dà pǔ bēn le.) The boss said no overtime today, we were all overjoyed.
Usage Tip: You often use 喜大普奔 with a humorous or exaggerated tone. It can describe genuinely exciting news. But you can also use it ironically for something that's only mildly good, or even a bit silly. It adds a playful touch to your communication.
You now know how important context is. You also know about small differences. These help you choose how to say LOL in Chinese. Learning these phrases will make you talk better. Use these phrases when you chat. Coachers.org is great for learning. It helps with culture and talking smoothly.
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FAQ
1. How do I pick the right Chinese "LOL"?
Think about the situation. Think about your friend. Close friends can use fun words. Try "233" or "笑死我了." For general fun, use "哈哈哈." For a hidden meaning, use "呵呵."
2. Can I use these in serious talks?
No, do not use these in serious talks. These "LOL" words are for fun chats. They are for close friends. In serious talks, use normal words. Be professional! 💼
3. Are there any "LOLs" to be careful with?
Yes, be careful with "呵呵" (hē hē). It can be a small laugh. But many use it to be mean. You might upset someone. If you are not sure, use "哈哈哈"! 😅
4. Will these words make me sound like a local?
Yes, they will! Using these words shows you get Chinese internet culture. Your talks will be real. You will connect better with locals. You will speak more naturally. Try them! ✨
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