What Does 666 Mean in Chinese Slang? Ditching the Devil Vibes for “Liu Liu Liu” Awesome!

If you spot “666” in an English horror movie, you might shrink back, thanks to its long-standing link to evil. But if you see it in a Chinese gamer’s chat or a teen’s social media post? Grab the popcorn—they’re complimenting someone! That’s the wild cross-cultural twist of 666 Chinese slang: what feels spooky in the West is pure hype in China. Far from a dark symbol, “666” (pronounced “liù liù liù”) is one of the most popular ways to say “awesome,” “smooth,” or “impressive” online. Let’s with WuKong Education unpack why this number went from “devil’s number” to “vibe check win.”

What Is 666 in Chinese? Pronunciation & Double Meanings

First, let’s get the basics down. The Mandarin pronunciation of 6 is “liù” (pronounced “lyoh”), so repeating it—“liù liù liù” (liu liu liu meaning)—is where the magic happens.

• Literal meaning: Just the number 666, plain and simple. If someone asks “How many apples do you have?” and you say “666,” it’s just a count.
• Slang meaning: This is where it gets fun! “666” translates to “awesome,” “skillful,” or “on point.” Think of it like saying “fire” or “chef’s kiss” in English. Why 6? Because in Chinese culture, 6 is a lucky number linked to “smoothness” (顺利，shùnlì). If something goes “six-six-six,” it’s going perfectly.

Don’t mix up tones! “Liù” (fourth tone) is the number. If you say “liū” (first tone), it means “slip,” which is a totally different vibe. Stick to “liù liù liù” for that compliment energy.

Where Did 666 Chinese Slang Come From?

“666” didn’t start online. It began as old-school Chinese folk wisdom. For centuries, 6 has been tied to good fortune: businesses pick 6 for phone numbers, couples choose 6th dates for luck, and people say “六六大顺” (liù liù dà shùn) to wish others “smooth sailing.”

Then the internet happened. Specifically, early 2000s Chinese gaming communities. Gamers needed a quick way to praise teammates for sick moves (think: a perfect combo in League of Legends or a clutch win in Honor of Kings). Typing “awesome” was too slow, but “666” was short, snappy, and already linked to “smooth” success. It caught on fast. First in games, then on social media (WeChat, Douyin), and finally in everyday chat.

By the 2010s, it crossed into U.S.-Chinese gaming circles too. Next time you’re playing Valorant with an international team and see “666,” don’t panic—they’re just saying your aim is fire!

How to Use 666

The best part about “666” is how easy it is to work into casual chat, especially if you hang out in gaming or international friend groups. Here are the most common scenarios, with American-friendly examples.

1. Gaming Communities

When someone pulls off a sick play, drop “666” instead of “nice!” “Did you see Maria’s triple kill? 666, that was insane!” “I messed up the boss fight, but you carried us—666 dude!”

2. Complimenting Skills or Talent

Use it for anything impressive: cooking, dancing, even Chinese homework! “You made dumplings from scratch? 666, they look better than my grandma’s!”“Your Chinese character writing is so neat—666!”

3. Reacting to Good News

Celebrate small wins with a playful “666.” “I got an A on my Mandarin test! 🎉” → “666! Told you practicing helps!”

4. Social Media Comments

Slap it on posts for that extra hype. On a video of someone playing guitar. “That solo! 666 🔥”

5 Related Chinese Number Slang to Level Up Your Chat

“666” is just the start—Chinese internet slang loves numbers! Here are 5 more to add to your toolkit.

West vs. East: Why 666 Is a Total Vibe Flip

Let’s be real—this is the funniest part. In Western culture, 666 has been linked to the “Antichrist” since the Book of Revelation, making it a go-to for horror movies and spooky memes. But in China? It’s the opposite: a lighthearted, low-effort compliment.

You’re playing Among Us with a mix of U.S. and Chinese friends. A U.S. player says, “Why’d you type 666? That’s creepy!” The Chinese player laughs and says, “No—your impostor play was 666!” Cue the group chat chaos. That’s the joy of cross-cultural communication—and why “666” is such a great way to start learning about Chinese internet culture.

Ready to Drop 666 Like a Pro?

Forget the devil—666 Chinese meaning is all about hype, luck, and fun. Next time you see a friend nail a TikTok dance, win a game, or cook a killer meal, hit them with “666” and watch their face light up. It’s a tiny slang term that opens the door to understanding Chinese culture.

Want to learn more number slang or master Mandarin basics? Join WuKong Chinese classes! We turn confusing terms into games, so you’ll be chatting like a pro in no time.

FAQs

Jasmine | WuKong Chinese Teacher

With over a decade of dedication to the education sector, I specialize in educational innovation and practice, deeply researching the construction of the basic education ecosystem and the cultivation of students’ core competencies. Holding a Doctorate in Education from Beijing Normal University, I integrate theoretical research with frontline teaching, excelling in stimulating students’ internal learning motivation through interdisciplinary teaching methods. Guided by the mission of “enabling every child to embrace suitable education”, I promote educational equity and personalized development, helping students unlock infinite possibilities in their growth. I am committed to injecting vitality into the high – quality development of education with professional expertise.