The Psychology Behind China’s Most Popular Emojis and Emoji Packs
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've ever chatted with someone in China, you know—emojis here aren't just cute; they're a cultural language of their own. From the iconic 'dog face' to the mysteriously smug 'wink and raise eyebrow', Chinese emojis go beyond expression—they reveal social etiquette, emotional subtlety, and even generational divides.
Take WeChat, China’s dominant messaging app, which sees over 1.3 billion monthly active users. Every day, users send more than 45 billion emoji messages. That’s not just communication—it’s digital body language.
The Top 5 Most Used Emojis in China (2024)
| Emoji | Name (Pinyin) | Usage Rate | Psychological Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 😎 | Bīqì (Big Grin) | 78% | Coolness, sarcasm, or playful confidence |
| 😂 | Xǐjí ér qì (Laugh to tears) | 72% | Polite laughter, sometimes masking discomfort |
| 😅 | Nüèshài xiào (Awkward smile) | 68% | Saving face, diffusing tension |
| 🐶 | Gǒu tóu (Dog head) | 65% | Self-deprecation, humility, cuteness overload |
| 😏 | Mī yǎn xiào (Smirk) | 60% | Sly humor, flirtation, or passive-aggressive tone |
Wait—why is the dog head so popular? In Chinese internet slang, calling yourself a 'dog' isn’t an insult—it’s a humble flex. Sending 🐶 after a request (like 'Can you help me with this?') softens the ask. It’s like saying, 'I’m just a little puppy, please be kind.' This reflects Confucian values of modesty and hierarchy.
Then there’s the infamous 'wink and raise eyebrow' 😉🔺—a custom emoji from WeChat’s premium packs. It’s used by millennials and Gen Z to imply irony or secret understanding. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a knowing glance across a crowded room.
Emojis in China also carry generational codes. Older users tend to favor bright, exaggerated smiles 😄, while younger ones lean into irony and minimalism. The 'broken heart' 💔 paired with a shrug 🤷♂️? That’s Gen Z heartbreak—detached, aesthetic, deeply felt but never dramatic.
And let’s talk about emoji packs—custom sticker sets often featuring cartoon animals or meme characters. One top pack, 'Little Bear Says Sorry', generated over ¥2 million in sales in 2023. Why? Because each sticker tells a micro-story. They’re not just reactions—they’re scripts for social harmony.
In a high-context culture like China, where direct confrontation is avoided, emojis act as emotional buffers. A well-placed 😅 can prevent a misunderstanding. A timely 🐶 shows deference without words.
So next time you see a Chinese friend spamming 'laugh-cry' emojis at a serious message—don’t assume they’re not listening. They might just be speaking fluent emoji.