洗脑

洗腦

xǐnǎo

verb

Meanings

1 to brainwash
2 to be catchy and stuck in your head
3 to indoctrinate

Characters

Literally 'wash brain' — either literal indoctrination or something stuck in your head

Examples

这首歌太洗脑了，一直在脑子里循环。

Zhè shǒu gē tài xǐnǎo le, yīzhí zài nǎozi lǐ xúnhuán.

This song is so catchy; it keeps looping in my head.

别被广告洗脑了，自己判断。

Bié bèi guǎnggào xǐnǎo le, zìjǐ pànduàn.

Don't be brainwashed by ads; judge for yourself.

这个洗脑神曲你听过没有？

Zhè ge xǐnǎo shénqǔ nǐ tīng guò méiyǒu?

Have you heard this insanely catchy song?

Tips

usage

洗脑 has two common uses: the serious meaning (brainwash/indoctrinate) and the casual internet meaning (something so catchy it gets stuck in your head). 洗脑神曲 (brainwashing hit song) describes an annoyingly catchy tune.

culture

In internet culture, 洗脑 is often used lightheartedly for viral songs, ads, or slogans that you can't get out of your head. But it retains its serious meaning in political and media literacy discussions.

Stroke Order

洗 xǐ

脑 nǎo