
Marvel’s Chinese superhero has the same name as a car company in China
Fictional martial arts expert Shang-Chi could join Iron Man, Captain America and Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
A Chinese superhero might helm Marvel’s next movie franchise. But people in China think he has a funny name.

Shang-Chi translates phonetically as the Chinese characters 上气, which forms part of an idiom meaning “can’t catch a breath”. It’s commonly used to describe an exhausted or anxious person gasping for air -- not the best name for a character who constantly travels around the world battling villains.
But others pointed out that Shang-Chi in Chinese is also short for “Shanghai Automotive” -- the Chinese state-owned carmaker that partners with General Motors to sell Buicks, Chevrolets and Cadillacs in China. The Chinese name of that joint venture roughly translates as “Shang-Chi versatile” -- which bodes far better for the superhero.
Interesting name aside, some are wondering which actor will play the role of Shang-Chi.
Some disagreed.
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For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.
