正太

A 'zhèngtài' is a young male — real or fictional — who is slender, doe-eyed, soft-featured, and radiates a gentle, almost delicate charm. Think the opposite of a buff action hero: this is the pretty, boyish type that makes hearts flutter precisely because he looks like he'd lose an arm-wrestle. The term crossed over from Japanese otaku culture (the Japanese 'shota') and became a standard compliment and fan category in Chinese anime and idol communities alike.

Rooted in Japanese manga/anime fandom, the archetype entered Chinese internet slang through the booming ACG (anime, comics, games) community in the 2000s–2010s. By 2015 it had escaped pure otaku circles to describe real-life celebrities and idols, reflecting a broader shift in Chinese pop culture toward appreciating androgynous, youthful male aesthetics — a trend amplified by the rise of idol talent shows.

指外形清秀、身材纤细、气质阴柔的少年或青年男性，源自日本动漫文化。