kǒulìng: 口令 - Password, Verbal Command, Passphrase

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• Summary: “口令” (kǒulìng) is a fundamental Chinese word that translates to “password,” “passphrase,” or “verbal command.” While it literally means “mouth command” and originates from military sentry passwords, it is now the standard term for digital passwords used to log into websites, computers, and apps. Understanding 口令 is essential for navigating modern digital life in China and appreciating its connection to concepts of access and command.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kǒu lìng
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A secret word, phrase, or command used for identification and authentication.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “口令” as having two layers. The original, classic layer is a verbal password, like something you'd say to a guard to enter a secret fort (“Open, Sesame!”). The modern, and far more common, layer is the digital password you type to access your email, social media, or Wi-Fi. Although its partner word, `密码 (mìmǎ)`, is more common for digital passwords, `口令` is used frequently and is perfectly understood in any login context.

• 口 (kǒu): This character is a pictogram of an open mouth. It means “mouth,” “opening,” or “entrance.” It's one of the simplest and most fundamental characters in Chinese.
• 令 (lìng): This character means “order,” “command,” or “to cause.” Its ancient form depicts a person kneeling (卩) to receive an order from a person of authority, represented by the top part (亼).

When combined, 口令 (kǒulìng) literally means a “mouth command.” This beautifully captures the original meaning: a command spoken from the mouth to prove identity or gain access. This origin story provides a powerful mnemonic for remembering the word.

The evolution of “口令” mirrors China's own rapid transformation. Its roots are in a pre-digital world of military strategy, imperial guards, and secret societies, where a spoken phrase was the key to access and trust. You'll frequently encounter this classic usage in Chinese historical dramas and wuxia (martial arts) films, where a hero must know the correct `口令` to pass a checkpoint.

• Comparison to “Password”: In English, “password” is a “word” that lets you “pass.” The focus is on the permission to move forward. In Chinese, “口令 (kǒulìng)” is a “mouth command.” The focus is on the authority of the command itself, which compels the gate or system to open. This reflects a subtle cultural difference: the English term is about seeking permission, while the Chinese term is about issuing an instruction that must be obeyed.

This concept has seamlessly transitioned into the digital age. The “gate” is now a login screen, and the “command” is typed instead of spoken, but the fundamental idea of using a secret phrase to command access remains the same.

In modern China, you will encounter `口令` almost exclusively in the context of digital security. While `密码 (mìmǎ)` is technically more common and a broader term, `口令` is used interchangeably on websites, in apps, and in daily conversation about passwords.

• Logging In: On many Chinese websites and apps, the field to enter your password might be labeled “口令” or “请输入口令” (Please enter password).
• Wi-Fi Access: When asking for the Wi-Fi password at a café, you can ask for the `口令`. For example, “请问Wi-Fi口令是什么？” (Excuse me, what is the Wi-Fi password?).
• Verbal Commands: While less common, the original meaning still exists. For example, a smart speaker might be activated by a specific `口令`. In a game, a “magic word” to open a door would be called a `口令`.

The connotation is neutral and its usage is standard in both formal and informal contexts.

• Example 1:
  • 糟糕，我忘了我的电脑口令！
  • Pinyin: Zāogāo, wǒ wàngle wǒ de diànnǎo kǒulìng!
  • English: Oh no, I forgot my computer password!
  • Analysis: A very common, everyday use of `口令` in a digital context.
• Example 2:
  • 为了安全，你应该定期更换你的口令。
  • Pinyin: Wèile ānquán, nǐ yīnggāi dìngqí gēnghuàn nǐ de kǒulìng.
  • English: For security, you should change your password regularly.
  • Analysis: Here, `口令` refers to a general security password. This is a common piece of advice.
• Example 3:
  • 今天的口令是“长江”。
  • Pinyin: Jīntiān de kǒulìng shì “Chángjiāng”.
  • English: Today's password is “Yangtze River.”
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates the original, military-style meaning of a sentry's verbal password-of-the-day.
• Example 4:
  • 请输入您的用户名和口令。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng shūrù nín de yònghù míng hé kǒulìng.
  • English: Please enter your username and password.
  • Analysis: This is a phrase you will see on countless Chinese login pages. `您 (nín)` makes it polite and formal.
• _Example 5:_
  • 这个Wi-Fi的口令太复杂了，我记不住。
  • Pinyin: Zhège Wi-Fi de kǒulìng tài fùzá le, wǒ jì bù zhù.
  • English: This Wi-Fi's password is too complicated, I can't remember it.
  • Analysis: A practical example of using `口令` specifically for a Wi-Fi password.
• _Example 6:_
  • 孩子们进他们的秘密基地需要说一个口令。
  • Pinyin: Háizimen jìn tāmen de mìmì jīdì xūyào shuō yīgè kǒulìng.
  • English: The children need to say a password to enter their secret base.
  • Analysis: Shows the playful, non-digital use of `口令`, similar to a clubhouse password.
• _Example 7:_
  • 他的口令设置得太简单了，就是“123456”。
  • Pinyin: Tā de kǒulìng shèzhì dé tài jiǎndān le, jiùshì “123456”.
  • English: His password is set too simply, it's just “123456”.
  • Analysis: A common complaint about weak password security. `设置 (shèzhì)` means “to set” or “to configure.”
• _Example 8:_
  • “芝麻开门”是阿里巴巴故事里最著名的口令。
  • Pinyin: “Zhīma kāi mén” shì Ālǐbābā gùshì lǐ zuì zhùmíng de kǒulìng.
  • English: “Open, Sesame” is the most famous password in the story of Ali Baba.
  • Analysis: This connects `口令` to a universally known cultural reference, making the concept very clear.
• _Example 9:_
  • 客服人员可能会问你一个预设问题来验证你的口令。
  • Pinyin: Kèfú rényuán kěnéng huì wèn nǐ yīgè yùshè wèntí lái yànzhèng nǐ de kǒulìng.
  • English: The customer service representative might ask you a preset question to verify your passphrase.
  • Analysis: This highlights the use of `口令` as a “passphrase” or secret answer for security verification over the phone.
• _Example 10:_
  • 连接这个蓝牙音箱需要输入口令“0000”。
  • Pinyin: Liánjiē zhège lányá yīnxiāng xūyào shūrù kǒulìng “0000”.
  • English: Connecting to this Bluetooth speaker requires entering the passcode “0000”.
  • Analysis: Shows the use of `口令` for device pairing, where it functions like a PIN, blurring the line with `密码`.

The biggest point of confusion for learners is the difference between 口令 (kǒulìng) and 密码 (mìmǎ).

• 口令 (kǒulìng) - “Mouth Command”:
  • Feels more like a *word* or *phrase*.
  • Carries a slight historical flavor of being spoken.
  • Used interchangeably with `密码` for digital passwords, but `密码` is more common.
• 密码 (mìmǎ) - “Secret Code/Number”:
  • This is the more general, and more frequently used, term for any kind of password, PIN, or secret code.
  • It's the best choice for numerical codes, like a bank card PIN or a suitcase lock combination.

Common Mistake: Using `口令` for a bank PIN. While people will understand you, the correct and standard term is `密码`.

• Incorrect: 我的银行卡口令是 888888。 (Wǒ de yínháng kǎ kǒulìng shì 888888.)
• Correct: 我的银行卡密码是 888888。 (Wǒ de yínháng kǎ mìmǎ shì 888888.)

Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, use `密码 (mìmǎ)`. It's almost always correct for any secret code. Use `口令 (kǒulìng)` when you see it written on a login screen or when you want to specifically evoke the feeling of a “passphrase.”

• 密码 (mìmǎ) - The most common word for “password” or “secret code.” It's a direct synonym in many digital contexts and a broader term overall.
• 账户 (zhànghù) - Account. An online or bank account is the thing that is protected by a `口令`.
• 用户名 (yònghù míng) - Username. The public identifier that is paired with your private `口令` to log in.
• 登录 (dēnglù) - To Log In / To Sign In. This is the action you perform using your `用户名` and `口令`.
• 指令 (zhǐlìng) - Command / Instruction. Shares the `令` (command) character and relates to giving a direct order, often in a military or computing context.
• 暗号 (ànhào) - Secret Signal / Coded Phrase. This is different from `口令`. An `暗号` is used for secret communication between two parties (e.g., spies), not necessarily to gain access to a system or place.
• 验证码 (yànzhèng mǎ) - Verification Code. The one-time code, often sent to your phone via SMS, used for two-factor authentication.
• 输入 (shūrù) - To Input / To Enter. The verb for typing your `口令` into a text field.