Youdao Dictionary Declares 'Deepseek' as 2025's Top Searched Term in China

In a significant cultural and technological milestone, Youdao Dictionary, the world's most extensive online dictionary by user base, unveiled 'deepseek' as its official Word of the Year for 2025. This term emerged at the forefront of user searches with an astonishing total of over 8.6 million inquiries throughout the year, illustrating the increasing impact of technology on everyday language and society.

According to Zhang Yi, the Head of Youdao Dictionary, the interest around 'deepseek' saw steady growth early in the year, but experienced a dramatic spike after February. This was driven by successive technological advancements, leading to waves of searches that reflect the public's engagement with AI and new digital tools. These shifts signal not just a trend, but a profound transition in how users approach and interact with emerging technology.

As 'deepseek' captured the imagination of millions, it also paved the way for users to explore a broader array of terms associated with artificial intelligence. Zhang noted that the surge in searches encouraged users to delve deeper into associated technical jargon, indicating a growing propensity for knowledge among Youdao's diverse user base, which includes students, professionals, tech enthusiasts, and casual learners alike.

In line with this surge in technology-related inquiries, Youdao Dictionary has implemented various improvements to enhance user experience. Over the last year, the product team has refined its AI capabilities, resulting in a more intuitive interface and more accurate lookup results. Such enhancements are crucial in aiding users as they navigate complex terminology, enabling a smoother learning journey as they seek information on terms like 'deepseek'.

The term 'deepseek,' translated into Chinese as shendu qiusuo, symbolizes a collective appetite for deeper understanding—reflecting a significant paradigm shift in China's AI landscape in 2025. Not only does it signify technological progress, but it also showcases the public's enthusiasm to engage with and comprehend new innovations. On social media, the term has affectionately been dubbed 'D laoshi' (Teacher D), alluding to the model’s impressive capabilities, from composing documents to providing insightful feedback—a playful yet poignant acknowledgment of its functional prowess.

Historically, Youdao Dictionary has released its annual Word of the Year list since 2011, responding to over a billion user queries globally. Each year's selected term encapsulates the zeitgeist, capturing the social dynamics prevalent at the time. The shift from 2024's focus on emotional expression with the term 'damn' to 2025's emphasis on technological exploration with 'deepseek' signifies an accelerated evolution in the digital era.

Notably, Xie Xiaoqing, a researcher at Beijing Language and Culture University, highlighted the importance of Youdao in reflecting societal trends. The increase in AI-related searches not only mirrors the advancements within China's tech sphere but also serves to demonstrate the public's proactive role in embracing and harnessing new technologies. This year's Word of the Year encapsulates the spirit of curiosity and innovation that characterizes modern society.

As we move further into 2025, it will be essential to observe how the evolving digital landscape continues to shape language, culture, and user engagement. Youdao Dictionary, as a platform, not only serves as a dictionary but a mirror reflecting the rapid developments within the realms of technology and society. With 'deepseek' leading the charge, we may anticipate even more profound shifts in how technology influences our communication and understanding in the years to come.