Table of Contents

dòngmàn: 动漫 - Animation, Anime, and Comics

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

In the West, there's often a line drawn between “cartoons” (seen as for children) and “animation” (a broader art form). 动漫 (dòngmàn) largely erases that line. It functions more like the Japanese term “anime,” referring to a specific style and genre of animation and comics that appeals to all ages, often featuring complex plots and mature themes. Initially, the term was heavily associated with the massive influx of Japanese anime and manga that became popular in China in the 1990s and 2000s. For a generation of Chinese youth, 动漫 was their window into fantastical worlds and a cornerstone of their entertainment. Today, 动漫 has evolved. It now proudly includes the booming domestic Chinese animation industry, often referred to as 国漫 (guómàn). Works like “Ne Zha” (哪吒之魔童降世) and “The King's Avatar” (全职高手) are massive hits, creating a distinct Chinese 动漫 identity. The term is central to the concept of ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games), a trifecta that forms the backbone of modern youth subculture in China. To understand young China is to understand the world of 动漫.

Practical Usage in Modern China

动漫 is an extremely common, informal word used in everyday life, especially among people under 40.

The connotation is generally positive or neutral, associated with creativity, youth culture, and a globally popular form of entertainment.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes