The meaning of “PK” in Chinese

If you’re in China or watching a Chinese series on Netflix, you may have heard the weird word “PK” fitted in between other ‘real’ Chinese words. It’s pronounced as “Peeee-kay” which is not a typical Chinese Pinyin sound. In fact, it sounds far from Chinese, which is true.

The origin of “PK” is a bit debated but it probably comes from computer games — just like YYDS: “Player killing”, but the origin could also have been “Penalty Kick” or “Punch and Kick”. It was popularized over a decade ago in China’s version of Idols when people had to vote for their favorite singer. Both adults and kids use this, and even the computer brand Acer has used it on posters in China.

It’s an extremely informal word but not rude. So feel free to use it online or in informal situations!

Sample sentences:

• 如果不喜欢那PK吧
  Rúguǒ bù xǐhuān nà PK ba
  If you don’t like it, then let’s battle it out
• 要不要跟我PK？
  yào bùyào gēn wǒ PK?
  Do you want to battle with me?
• 谁最快？PK！
  Shéi zuì kuài? PK!
  Who is the fastest? Battle!

Don’t use PK in Chinese like this:

• I saw an amazing football match yesterday
  我昨天看了一个特别好看的足球PK
  Wǒ zuótiān kànle yīgè tèbié hǎokàn de zúqiú PK

This is not correct!

Also, PK in Chinese shouldn’t be used as a substitute for “Versus”. Just use VS:

• 特朗普 VS 拜登
  Tèlǎngpǔ VS Bàidēng
  Trump VS Biden

For VS, you can also use 对战Duìzhàn, this is more formal:

• 中国队对战荷兰队
  Zhōngguó duì duìzhàn hélán duì
  Chinese team battles Netherlands team