How to Make a Relatable Laowai Video on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

Mandarin Monday is a regular series where we help you improve your Chinese by detailing fun and practical phrases and characters.  By now you're well aware of the #TikTokRefugee takeover of Xiaohongshu or Red Note. So, for those of you also looking to join in on the fun, here's your quick Mandarin Monday guide to making a relatable laowai video on the app.

Mandarin Monday is a regular series where we help you improve your Chinese by detailing fun and practical phrases and characters.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, by now you’re well aware of the #TikTokRefugee takeover of Xiaohongshu or Red Note. So, for those of you also looking to join in on the fun, here’s your quick Mandarin Monday guide to making a relatable laowai video on the app.

While you're on there, be sure to check out theBeijinger’s account as well.

Hello – 你好 nǐhǎo

You’ve got to start your video with a local greeting, and nothing says you’re about to do the bare minimum than a basic nihao. To take it to the next level, say it on repeat like a true local. 你好你好你好你好你好你好你好!

Red/Red Note/Little Red Book – 小红书 xiǎohóngshū

Let’s settle on a name. Now, while the technical translation is Little Red Book, people are calling it either Red or Red Note. We’re leaning towards calling it Red, but whatever floats your red boat. Just know that the locals call our new favorite app Xiaohongshū.

TikTok Refugee – TikTok 难民 TikTok nànmín

We didn’t coin this term. If you’re looking for other refugees to huddle with on Red, you can search for your fellow refugees either in English or with the Chinese term.

I am – 我是 wǒshì

Introduce yourself like a normal person. Tell us what your name is and what your channel’s going to be about. Represent yourself!

Babes – 宝贝们 bǎobèimen

Once you’ve got you’ve got your groove going and you start chatting with your followers, what do you call them? You can’t call them “followers” – that’s just awkward and weird. Chinese KOLs (key opinion leaders) call viewers during livestream bǎobèimen, which applies to both men and women.

I love China – 我爱中国 wǒ ài zhōngguó

Got to add in some love for the country.

Share – 分享 fēnxiǎng

Be sure to ask your followers to share your content so you increase your reach.

Follow my account – 关注我的账户 guānzhù wǒde zhànghù

After you’ve made your epic viral video, end it by asking for followers like a real KOL.

Now, let’s talk about the functions on Red.

Livestream – 直播 zhíbō

Interact with the Red community with the awesome group chat function, or livestream your daily life.

Personal Shopping – 代购 dàigòu

This can be a foreign concept for non-locals, but personal shopping is a huge business for those who want foreign food that is either unavailable in China or only available at a higher price. So, if you’re looking to make some money on Red, becoming a personal shopper could be a way to do it.

Happy Redding!

READ: Mandarin Monday: 2024's Top Ten Chinese Buzzwords

Images: Canva, the Beijingers