Meaning:

    “约” means to “make an appointment,” and “吗” is a marker for question. Originally, this term was used as a euphemism for “sex without strings attached.” However, it has been jokingly used by Chinese netizens in more general circumstances. Therefore, when someone asks you “约吗,” he or she simply asks if you want to join an activity with them, like going to the movies or shopping.

    Example:

    A: 电影院里在放《超能特战队》，约吗？

    Diànyǐngyuàn lǐ zài fàng 《chāonéng tèzhànduì》,

    yuē ma?

    “Big Hero 6” is showing in cinemas. Do you want to watch it?

    B: 这是动画片，好看吗？

    Zhè shì dònghuàpiān, hǎokàn ma?

    This is an animation movie. Is it fun?

    A: 同事看了都说好，不是给小盆友看的那种。

    Tóngshì kàn le dōu shuō hǎo, bùshì gěi xiǎopényǒu kàn de nàzhǒng。

    My colleagues have seen it and give it high ratings, saying it’s not the kind just for kids.

    B: 那就约呗，今晚七点以后的场次都行。

    Nà jìu yuē bei, jīnwán qīdiǎn yǐhòu de chǎngcì dōu xíng。

    Let’s go then. Any time after 7 p.m. today will be fine.