Meaning:

    This sentence, translated as “I pretend I don’t understand,” was first used by Jin Xing, a transgender dancer and talk show host, on her TV show. She used it to vividly describe her encounter with an airhostess who was very polite to English speakers but cold and rude towards Chinese passengers. Jin said she pretended she didn’t understand Chinese and when the air hostess finally put up a smile and asked her in English what drink she would like, she answered abruptly in Chinese “橙汁” (orange juice). The sentence was quickly picked up by Chinese netizens, who used it jokingly on many occasions to express sadness, anger, disgust and other negative feelings.

    Example:

    A: 老板说这个周末要加班。

    Lǎobǎn shuō zhègè zhōumò yào jiābān。

    The boss said we would have to work overtime this weekend.

    B: 我装作听不懂的样子。

    Wǒ zhuāngzuò tīngbùdǒng de yàngzi。

    I pretend I don’t understand. (I hate this!)

    A: 可别忘了啊！

    Kě bié wàng le a!

    Don’t forget about it!

    B: 听到了！

    Tīngdào le!

    I hear you!