Why does the Chinese word for "Rat race / Involution" sound like
Nay-joo-en?!

内卷

The Real Meaning

In Mandarin Chinese, the character 内卷 (pronounced as nèi juǎn) actually translates to Rat race / Involution.

The Funny Part

When everyone tries so hard that nobody wins. Chinese students staying up till 3am to get the same grade. That's 内卷.

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Nice Teacher says...

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内卷 means 'involution' or rat race! nèi juǎn. When everyone overcompetes and nobody wins.