打字
dǎ zì
You type on a keyboard
打字 (dǎzì) is the most common and direct way to say 'to type' in Mandarin Chinese, specifically referring to the action of inputting characters on a keyboard or similar device.
When to use it
Neutral. It's appropriate in most contexts for typing on computers, phones, or typewriters. To specify the device, you can add '在键盘上' (zài jiànpán shàng, 'on the keyboard') or '用键盘' (yòng jiànpán, 'using a keyboard').
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “DAH-dzuh.” The first syllable is a third tone, and the second is typically a light, neutral tone.
Other ways to say it
- 用键盘打字yòng jiàn pán dǎ zìto type using a keyboard
- 输入shū rùto input (more general, can include typing)
- 敲键盘qiāo jiàn pánto tap/hit the keyboard (more literal, less common for 'to type')
Examples
你会打字吗？
nǐ huì dǎ zì ma ？
Can you type?
我在键盘上打字。
wǒ zài jiàn pán shàng dǎ zì 。
I am typing on the keyboard.
他打字速度很快。
tā dǎ zì sù dù hěn kuài 。
He types very fast.
Pro tip: The character 打 (dǎ) literally means 'to hit' or 'to strike,' which vividly reflects the physical action of pressing keys when typing. This makes the term '打字' quite intuitive for native speakers.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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