How to search Xianyu well
Three rules cover most searches: for models and codes, type them exactly with translation off (rtx 3060
, ddr5 6800mhz
); for everyday words, turn on “Translate search to Chinese” or type the Chinese term; and use few words.
Updated
Literal search: models, codes, brands
Sellers write the model as printed on the box. Searching without translation sends your term unchanged, so it matches the listing title.
- graphics cards:
rtx 3060
,rx 6700 xt
- memory:
ddr5 6800mhz
- cameras:
sony a6400
,fuji x100v
- consoles:
switch oled
,ps5
Many brands work in Latin letters (nike
, sony
); some are more common in Chinese: 耐克 (Nike), 索尼 (Sony), 任天堂 (Nintendo), 北面 (The North Face).
Translated search: everyday words
Sneakers
or jacket
won't appear in a Chinese listing. Turn on Translate search to Chinese under the search box; the results header shows the Chinese term that was used. If results look off, type the Chinese term yourself from the tables below.
Fewer words, more listings
Every extra word must appear in the listing title. Start short and narrow down.
Chinese terms by category
PC hardware
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| graphics card | 显卡 | xiǎnkǎ |
| RAM | 内存条 | nèicún tiáo |
| SSD | 固态硬盘 | gùtài yìngpán |
| motherboard | 主板 | zhǔbǎn |
| CPU | 处理器 | chǔlǐqì |
| monitor | 显示器 | xiǎnshìqì |
| laptop | 笔记本电脑 | bǐjìběn diànnǎo |
Peripherals and audio
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| mechanical keyboard | 机械键盘 | jīxiè jiànpán |
| keycaps | 键帽 | jiànmào |
| mouse | 鼠标 | shǔbiāo |
| headphones | 耳机 | ěrjī |
Phones, cameras and games
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| phone | 手机 | shǒujī |
| camera | 相机 | xiàngjī |
| lens | 镜头 | jìngtóu |
| film camera | 胶片相机 | jiāopiàn xiàngjī |
| game console | 游戏机 | yóuxìjī |
| figure, statue | 手办 | shǒubàn |
Clothes and shoes
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| sneakers | 球鞋 | qiúxié |
| shell / rain jacket | 冲锋衣 | chōngfēngyī |
| hoodie, sweatshirt | 卫衣 | wèiyī |
| T-shirt | T恤 | T xù |
| watch | 手表 | shǒubiǎo |
Terms you'll see in listings
| In the listing | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 全新 | quánxīn | new, unused |
| 二手 | èrshǒu | used, second-hand |
| 99新 / 95新 / 9成新 | — | the seller's own condition grade: “99% new”, “95%”, “90%”. It is their opinion, not a standard |
| 成色 | chéngsè | condition |
| 瑕疵 | xiácī | flaw, mark or scratch |
| 正品 | zhèngpǐn | genuine (as claimed by the seller) |
| 原盒 | yuánhé | with the original box |
| 包邮 | bāoyóu | free shipping, but only inside China |
| 不议价 / 不刀 | bù yìjià / bù dāo | fixed price, no haggling |
| 可小刀 | kě xiǎo dāo | open to a small discount |
| 拆机 | chāijī | part taken out of another device |
| 国行 / 港版 / 美版 | guóháng / gǎngbǎn / měibǎn | mainland China / Hong Kong / US version |
| 自提 | zìtí | local pickup only; usually unsuitable for buying through an agent |