Youdao Dictionary Reveals 2025 Word of the Year: 'Deepseek'
In a significant announcement, Youdao Dictionary, the largest online dictionary globally by user base, has selected 'deepseek' as its Word of the Year for 2025. The term dominated the platform with a staggering 8,672,940 searches this year, reflecting the extensive interest from users amidst the rapid expansion of technology.
Zhang Yi, Youdao Dictionary's Head, expressed that the interest in 'deepseek' reached extraordinary levels. Initially, the activity around this term remained stable, but after February, it surged dramatically, with every technological breakthrough triggering a new wave of searches.
Zhang further elaborated, saying, "Interest in 'deepseek' has led users to engage more with related technical terms. After searching for this term, many explore wider concepts in large AI models and AI-driven capabilities, enhancing their learning experience significantly." This behavior showcases a transition in user lookup patterns.
This trend is also linked with Youdao Dictionary's continuous enhancement efforts. Throughout the year, the product team has made considerable strides in improving the platform's AI capabilities. They focused on refining homepage interaction and the core lookup experience, aiming to offer faster, more accurate results that cater to the needs of today’s digital learners.
Users range from university students and professionals to both AI enthusiasts and casual internet users. More individuals are turning to Youdao Dictionary to gain insights into the rapidly evolving Chinese AI landscape. The term 'deepseek' has even colloquially been dubbed 'D laoshi' (Teacher D) on social media, a playful nod to the model's impressive capabilities, like drafting content and improving reports, exciting users with its functionality.
In Youdao Dictionary, users strongly resonate with the Chinese translation of 'deepseek', which is 'shendu qiusuo' (deep exploration). This term aptly reflects the ongoing innovation and research within China’s AI sector in 2025. The remarkable increase in searches highlights not only the swift dissemination of new technologies but also the public's growing willingness to comprehend and adapt to these rapid advancements.
Youdao Dictionary has been sharing its annual trending words list since 2011. This list, grounded in the lookup behaviors of over one billion users worldwide, provides a comprehensive dataset. Words selected in previous years, like 'hold' in 2011, 'duang' in 2015, 'vlog' in 2019, and 'crush' in 2023, have characterized the social context of their respective years.
Last year, the Word of the Year was 'damn', a term favored by Gen Z to convey strong emotions of excitement and surprise. The transition from an emotional expression to a focus on technological exploration in 2025 underscores the rapid changes influencing the digital landscape.
Xie Xiaoqing, a researcher at Beijing Language and Culture University, remarked, "Youdao Dictionary is a powerful language-learning tool in China. It provides valuable insights into social dynamics through the annual words it features. The increase in AI-related searches this year is indicative of a growing awareness of China's advancements in technology. People are not just embracing these technologies; they're actively using and advancing them in their lives. This encapsulates the essence of the Word of the Year: it reflects public sentiment and societal trends through the year."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deepseek' mean?
'Deepseek' refers to a process of deep exploration, particularly in the context of AI technologies and educational searches.
Why was 'deepseek' chosen as the Word of the Year?
'Deepseek' topped the charts with over 8.6 million searches, reflecting growing interest in technology and AI among users.
How does Youdao Dictionary determine its Word of the Year?
The selection is based on the search behaviors and patterns of its extensive global user base, offering a snapshot of social trends.
What was last year's Word of the Year?
In 2024, Youdao Dictionary selected 'damn', highlighting emotional expressions prominent in youth culture.
What changes has Youdao Dictionary made in recent years?
Improvements have been made in AI capabilities, enhancing the user experience with faster and more accurate search results.
