zhǎngcǎo: 长草 - To Grow Weeds; To Become Obsessed with Buying Something

Keywords: 长草, zhangcao, meaning of zhangcao, Chinese slang for wanting to buy something, to covet, online shopping slang, grow weeds meaning, what does zhangcao mean, zhangcao vs zhongcao, Chinese internet culture, 种草, 拔草

Summary: Discover the meaning of 长草 (zhǎngcǎo), a popular Chinese internet slang term every learner should know. While it literally translates to “to grow weeds,” it vividly describes the modern feeling of a desire for a product growing uncontrollably in your mind, especially after seeing it online. This guide breaks down its cultural context in China's e-commerce world, how it differs from similar terms like 种草 (zhòngcǎo), and provides practical examples to help you use it like a native.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǎngcǎo

Part of Speech: Verb, Internet Slang

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: Literally, “to grow weeds”; colloquially, to develop a strong, growing desire to buy something.

In a Nutshell: Imagine a product you just saw online. At first, it's a small thought, but it starts to grow and take over your mind until you can't stop thinking about it. This uncontrollable growth of desire is what Chinese netizens call `长草`. The “weeds” of desire are growing wild in your “heart” (`心里长草了`), making you feel a nagging urge to acquire the item.

长 (zhǎng): To grow; to develop; to increase. (Note: This character is also pronounced `cháng` when it means “long,” but here it means “to grow”).

草 (cǎo): Grass; weed; straw.

The characters combine to literally mean “to grow grass” or “to grow weeds.” The slang meaning is a brilliant metaphor: the desire for an item is like a weed—it appears unwanted, spreads quickly, and is difficult to get rid of.

`长草` is a direct product of China's hyper-connected consumer and internet culture. Its popularity surged with the rise of e-commerce giants like Taobao and social media/review platforms like Weibo and 小红书 (xiǎohóngshū), or “Little Red Book.”

On these platforms, influencers (`网红 - wǎnghóng`) and regular users share product reviews and recommendations. This act of recommending or creating desire in others is called `种草 (zhòngcǎo)`—“to plant grass.” When you, the consumer, see this recommendation and start desiring the product, the “grass” begins to grow in your mind—you are now in a state of `长草`.

Comparison to Western Concepts: This is more intense than simply “adding to a wishlist” or “window shopping.” A wishlist is passive; `长草` is an active, almost irritating internal process. It’s similar to the feeling of “I can't get it out of my head” or “now I *need* it” after seeing an influencer's post, but the “growing weeds” metaphor is a uniquely Chinese digital-age concept. It captures the feeling of being influenced by social commerce in a way that English doesn't have a single, tidy equivalent for.

`长草` is used almost exclusively in informal contexts, especially online and in conversations with friends about consumer goods like cosmetics, clothes, gadgets, games, and more.

It describes the state of wanting something. You don't “do” `长草` to an object; you simply `长草` for it, or it `长草`s in your heart.

Connotation: It's a neutral-to-slightly-negative term, often used in a self-deprecating way to admit a lack of self-control in the face of tempting products. It's relatable and humorous.

Literal vs. Slang: The most common mistake is to interpret `长草` literally. If a friend says `我心里长草了` (wǒ xīnli zhǎngcǎo le), they are talking about consumer desire, not a medical emergency or a sudden interest in gardening. Context is everything.

种草 (zhòngcǎo) - “To plant grass.” The act of recommending a product and sparking desire in others. It is the cause of `长草`.

拔草 (bácǎo) - “To pull out the weeds.” To finally buy the item you've been wanting (satisfying the desire) OR deciding you no longer want it (uprooting the desire).

草单 (cǎodān) - “Grass list.” A wishlist; a list of items that you are `长草`-ing for.

安利 (ānlì) - Named after the multi-level marketing company Amway. A slang verb meaning to passionately recommend something (a product, a TV show, a band) to someone, very similar to `种草`.

剁手 (duòshǒu) - “To chop off one's hands.” A humorous and exaggerated term for going on a shopping spree, especially online. Often the result of `拔草`.

网红 (wǎnghóng) - “Internet red.” An internet celebrity or influencer, who is often a major source of `种草`.

小红书 (xiǎohóngshū) - “Little Red Book.” A hugely popular Chinese social e-commerce app where users share and discover lifestyle trends and products. It's a major breeding ground for the `种草/长草` culture.