Understanding cryptocurrency is no longer just a tech-savvy skill—it's a global financial literacy must. But what if you could learn it in Mandarin while expanding your language skills? Whether you're a language learner, an investor, or simply curious about digital currencies, this guide introduces essential Chinese cryptocurrency vocabulary with clear explanations, character breakdowns, and cultural insights.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know how to say Bitcoin and Ethereum in Chinese—you’ll understand the logic behind the terms and how they reflect both linguistic creativity and cultural context.
What Is Cryptocurrency in Chinese?
Cryptocurrency in Mandarin is 加密货币 (jiāmì huòbì).
Let’s break it down:
加密 (jiāmì) = "encrypt" or "to encrypt"
- 加 (jiā) = "to add"
- 密 (mì) = "secret" or "confidential"
货币 (huòbì) = "currency" or "money"
- 货 (huò) = "goods" or "commodity"
- 币 (bì) = "coin" or "currency"
So, 加密货币 literally means “encrypted money”—a highly accurate and logical translation that reflects how blockchain technology secures digital transactions.
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Bitcoin and Its Chinese Names
No discussion of cryptocurrency is complete without Bitcoin.
In Chinese, Bitcoin is most commonly known as 比特币 (bǐtèbì).
This is a phonetic transliteration:
- “Bit” → 比特 (bǐtè)
- “Coin” → 币 (bì)
But there’s another, less common name: 位元币 (wèiyuánbì).
This version is a direct translation from the tech term “bit,” where:
- 位元 (wèiyuán) = “bit” (used in computing)
- 币 (bì) = “coin”
While 比特币 remains dominant, 位元币 is occasionally used in technical or academic discussions, especially in Taiwan.
Altcoins: The Rise of 山寨币 (Shanzhai Coins)
The term altcoin refers to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. In Chinese, it’s creatively called 山寨币 (shānzhàibì)—literally “copycat coin” or “knockoff coin.”
Let’s unpack that:
- 山寨 (shānzhài) originally meant “mountain stronghold,” historically referring to rebel hideouts.
- Over time, it evolved into slang for counterfeit or imitation products—think fake designer bags or knockoff smartphones.
So calling altcoins 山寨币 humorously suggests they’re “imitations” of Bitcoin. It’s a playful jab at how most early altcoins copied Bitcoin’s code with minor tweaks.
Interestingly, the original formal term was 竞争币 (jìngzhēng bì), meaning “competitive coin”—a much more neutral and descriptive name. But 山寨币 stuck due to its cultural resonance and ironic tone.
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Slang Terms: From “Rubbish Coins” to “Blue Chip” Tokens
Like English, Chinese crypto communities have developed their own slang—colorful, expressive, and sometimes brutally honest.
Shitcoins: 空气币 and 垃圾币
Two common terms for low-value or speculative coins:
空气币 (kōngqìbì) – “air coin”
- Implies the coin has no real value—just “hot air.”
垃圾币 (lājībì) – “rubbish coin” or “garbage coin”
- Even harsher; suggests the project is worthless or scammy.
These terms are widely used in online forums to warn investors about hype-driven projects with no fundamentals.
Blue Chip Coins: 主流币
On the flip side, 主流币 (zhǔliúbì) means “mainstream coin”—the Chinese equivalent of “blue chip crypto.”
These are established, widely adopted cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, known for stability, strong development teams, and market dominance.
Top 10 Altcoins and Their Chinese Names
Here’s a list of popular cryptocurrencies and their Mandarin translations—perfect for flashcards or conversation practice.
Ethereum (ETH) – 以太坊 (yǐtàifāng)
- Note: Uses “坊” (fāng), meaning “workshop” or “platform,” reflecting its role as a smart contract platform.
Litecoin (LTC) – 莱特币 (láitèbì)
- Phonetic match; “lái tè” sounds like “Lite.”
Cardano (ADA) – 艾达币 (àidábì)
- Named after Ada Lovelace; “艾达” is the standard transliteration.
Polkadot (DOT) – 波卡币 (bōkǎbì)
- “Bōkǎ” mimics “Polka”; often associated with its multi-chain interoperability.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – 比特现金 (bǐtè xiànjīn)
- Literally “Bitcoin cash,” highlighting its focus on fast, low-cost payments.
Stellar (XLM) – 恒星币 (héngxīngbì)
- “Héngxīng” means “fixed star”; poetic and fitting for a network focused on global payments.
Dogecoin (DOGE) – 狗狗币 (gǒugǒubì)
- “Gǒugǒu” means “puppy”; cute and on-brand for the meme-inspired coin.
Binance Coin (BNB) – 币安币 (bìānbì)
- “Bìān” is a phonetic rendering of “Binance”; note the recurring 币 (bì) suffix.
Tether (USDT) – 泰达币 (tàidábì)
- Stablecoin linked to the U.S. dollar; name has no literal meaning but is widely recognized.
Monero (XMR) – 门罗币 (ménluóbì)
- Named after economist Milton Friedman; “Ménluó” is the phonetic equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 加密货币 mean literally?
加密货币 (jiāmì huòbì) literally translates to “encrypted money.” 加密 means “to encrypt,” and 货币 means “currency.” It’s a precise description of how digital currencies use encryption for security.
Why are altcoins called 山寨币?
Because 山寨 historically refers to rebel strongholds but now means “counterfeit” or “knockoff.” Calling altcoins 山寨币 humorously suggests they’re imitations of Bitcoin—common in casual or critical discussions.
Is there a difference between 币 and 比特?
Yes. 币 (bì) means “coin” or “currency” and is used as a suffix for all crypto names. 比特 (bǐtè) is a phonetic transliteration of “bit,” used in Bitcoin (比特币).
How do Chinese speakers refer to stablecoins?
While there’s no single official term, stablecoins like USDT are often called 稳定币 (wěndìngbì)—literally “stable coin.” Tether is commonly known by its brand name 泰达币.
Can I use these terms in formal writing?
In academic or financial contexts, terms like 加密货币 and 主流币 are acceptable. Slang like 空气币 or 山寨币 should be used cautiously—they’re more common in social media or informal discussions.
Why does Ethereum use 坊 instead of 币?
Because Ethereum is more than just a coin—it’s a decentralized platform for apps and smart contracts. The character 坊 (“workshop”) reflects its role as a development ecosystem, not just a currency.
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Final Thoughts
Learning cryptocurrency terms in Chinese isn’t just about memorizing words—it’s about understanding how language evolves with technology. From the precise logic of 加密货币 to the humorous sarcasm of 山寨币, each term offers insight into both Mandarin linguistics and crypto culture.
Whether you're preparing for a business meeting in Shanghai, chatting with crypto enthusiasts on WeChat, or just expanding your vocabulary, mastering these terms gives you a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.
And as blockchain adoption grows across Asia, knowing how to discuss crypto in Chinese could open doors—to conversations, opportunities, and deeper cross-cultural understanding.