How do you say "Shui Lingling" in English?
2024-08-26
한어Русский языкEnglishFrançaisIndonesianSanskrit日本語DeutschPortuguêsΕλληνικάespañolItalianoSuomalainenLatina
I don’t know when it started, but the whole internet was suddenly filled with the word “Shui Lingling”. Even various topics during the Olympics could not escape the three words “Shui Lingling”.
Image source: Weibo
In fact, the term "Shui Ling Ling" originally came from a sentence by Hong Eun Chae (홍은채), a member of the Korean girl group, showing a magazine cover on a variety show: "Looking at it this way, I am in the middle and look like a water spirit, and there are scary sisters around me." (The "scary sisters" refer to the other members of the group, and Hong Eun Chae is the youngest in the group.)
The phrase "水灵灵" first popped up when Hong Eunchae, from a South Korean girl group, made a comment on a variety show while showing off a magazine cover: "Here I am, looking all fresh and lively, with my intimidating older sisters around me." (She playfully called the other group members 'intimidating older sisters,' since she's the youngest in the group.)
Image source: bilibili
The Korean word used by Hong Encai in the program means "sparklingly". However, the Chinese translation team of the video cleverly translated it into "Shui Lingling", which became widely circulated after fans played a joke and gradually became popular. In the past, it was said "young and energetic", but now it is unified as "Shui Lingling".
The Korean word Hong Eun Chae used in the program originally means "glittery". However, the Chinese translation team of the video cleverly translated it as "水灵灵" and it spread widely after fans played with the word. It used to be "young and energetic", but now it's commonly understood as "水灵灵".
But "Shui Lingling" has lost its specific meaning and is applicable to various scenarios. In the topics that emerged during the Paris Olympics, the post-00s stepped onto the international stage and Shui Lingling took over.
Image source: Weibo screenshot
Even the footage of cats fighting and confronting each other, and the panda Yaya eating bamboo shoots before her 24th birthday can all be described as "juicy".
Image source: Weibo screenshot
When "Shui Ling Ling" literature appears more widely in life, even making fun of your own embarrassing moments, showing your admission letter, and recording the unboxing of blind boxes can all use the phrase "Shui Ling Ling". In short, as long as you are willing, everything can be "Shui Ling Ling".
When "Shui Ling Ling" becomes more prevalent in daily life, even jesting about our own embarrassing moments, showcasing admission letters, and filming unboxing videos can be infused with the essence of "Shui Lingling." Essentially, anything has the potential to embody "Shui Ling" Spirit" if you so desire.
Image source: bilibili screenshot
So how should "Shui Ling Ling" be expressed more appropriately in English? When Shui Ling Ling returns to its original meaning, used to describe something beautiful and energetic, or something moist and lively, we can use the following expressions:
radiant
beaming; radiant; ruddy; brilliant
Never had I seen a face so happy, sweet and radiant.
I have never seen such happy, sweet, and radiant faces.
vivacious
Lively, vibrant
She is known for her vivacious personality, always bringing joy to those around her.
She was known for her bubbly personality and always brought joy to those around her.
fresh-looking
Describes someone or something that looks fresh, clean, and alive
They are pretty girls, fresh looking.
They are all beautiful girls with fresh and lively looks.
full of life
Full of life
The painting is full of life.
This painting is full of life.
So, have you learned it, my dear Shui Lingling?
