Why does the Chinese word for "Shanghai" sound like
Shahng-high?!

上海

The Real Meaning

In Mandarin Chinese, the character 上海 (pronounced as Shàng hǎi) actually translates to Shanghai.

The Funny Part

Literally 'On the Sea'. Also a verb meaning 'to swindle'. 你被上海了 = you got scammed. The city hates this.

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Nice Teacher says...

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上海 literally means 'On the Sea'. Shàng hǎi — fourth then third tone. A stunning city!