Home The 520 Meaning: What It Is and Why It Matters

The 520 Meaning: What It Is and Why It Matters

The 520 Meaning What It Is and Why It Matters

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

What Is The Meaning of 520?

Chinese citizens are considered to believe strongly in numbers and their meaning. A common example is how some numbers are considered lucky or unlucky in Chinese culture.

In the general definition, the number 520 is a term Chinese users use as a shortened phrase for “I love you” online, similar to the English shortcuts “ILY” or “ILU.” When spoken or read in Mandarin, the words “I love you” is “wǒ ài nǐ,” which sounds similar to their pronunciation of 520, being “wǔ èr líng.”



The 520 meaning can also be extended with 5201314, which directly translates to “I love you for a lifetime.”  That’s because 1314 represents “yīshēng yīshì” in Chinese, which translates to “for a lifetime.”

Is 520 a Chinese Holiday?

Chinese netizens use numbers as quick and affectionate greetings towards their loved ones. In addition, the Chinese begin to associate 520 with May 20.  Although it is a trend, people do not consider 520 an official or recognized holiday.

However, people still treat it as a special day. On every 20th of May, many establishments, ranging from restaurants to movie theaters, give special services and offers that result in crowds of couples going on a spending spree. Common items given to partners as gifts tend to run out of stock quickly within this day.



Thus, 520 is more than just an occasion for those deeply in love; it also presents a fantastic opportunity for singles to discover a potential partner to celebrate this online holiday.

In recent years, the meaning of 520 has become so popular that many people now favor it over the traditional holiday of Valentine’s Day. Everyone widely recognizes Valentine’s Day as the “Day of Love.”



While it is popular in other countries, the holiday is unlikely to garner popularity in China, as citizens and netizens prefer to lean towards their own cultural heritage and brand. It is only emphasized further when much online marketing focuses on 520.

Becoming a People-Recognized Holiday Over Time

The meaning of 520 has steadily changed from a traditional to an internet trend in a short amount of time. As aforementioned, the Chinese people use 520 as the internet slang in their social media to show their love and affection towards each other. 

Both couples and single individuals partake in the festivities reminiscent of Valentine’s Day. This time, they often exchange thoughtful gifts and treat their significant others to special dates. Also, May 20 has become associated with the citizen-driven holiday. 

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