You’ve probably heard the phrase “big in Japan,” but lately, reggaeton has gone global in a way that few saw coming. From San Juan to Shanghai, the genre’s infectious rhythms are helping Chinese students learn Spanish—and they’re doing it by watching translated TikToks and streaming J Balvin on repeat.

According to a study from Barcelona’s Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), the number of Chinese students enrolling in translation and language science classes has jumped by 37% in the past five years. The twist? China’s formal education system doesn’t offer nearly the same support for learning Spanish as it does for English.

So students are getting creative, and reggaeton is their textbook.

Reggaeton is booming on Chinese streaming platforms like NECM

Instead of using Duolingo, learners are turning to NetEase Cloud Music (NECM), China’s massive music streaming site, where fans share translations of reggaeton bangers. According to NBC News, some of these translation videos rack up over 2 million views.

Benito (not to be confused with the Benito, aka Bad Bunny), one of the non-professional translators interviewed in the UPF study, has 1,300 followers and millions of views on his Spanish-to-Chinese reggaeton translations. Another translator, Lia, has around 800 followers. Together, their work spans everything from reggaeton to ballads to trap.

UPF researchers analyzed 60 of their translations and over 500 follower comments. The result? These reggaeton fans aren’t just translating—they’re actively bridging cultures.

Translators are making reggaeton make sense in Chinese

It’s not just about direct translation. Reggaeton lyrics are full of slang, cultural references, and… let’s be honest, a lot of sexual innuendo. Translators employ what UPF refers to as “intercultural mediation strategies” to help Chinese audiences comprehend these lyrics and circumvent censorship.

For example, the Spanish phrase “me dejaron plantado” (I got stood up) becomes “放鸽子” (“releasing a dove”) in Chinese—an expression used to describe broken promises. Sexual phrases like “fck” are toned down to “占有” (possessing) or “交欢” (exchange pleasure). And to slip past censors, translators insert asterisks into spicy words—like turning “caliente” into “性感” (sexy) or “火*辣” (hot).

According to researcher Li Yuan-Cloris, who co-authored the study, this practice not only promotes understanding. It also boosts linguistic and cultural awareness in Spanish, Chinese, and even English.

Learning Spanish through Reggaeton? Teachers should pay attention

The research, published in the journal Language and Intercultural Communication, argues that these informal translation communities have real educational value.

“Translators accompany the texts of their translations with paratexts, annotations, or comments, to explain the Hispanic cultural elements to the Chinese audience,” said Li. These extras help make reggaeton more than just catchy—it becomes a tool for cultural immersion.

The study also encourages language educators to support these efforts. By getting involved in digital fan spaces and creative translation, students build autonomy, identity, and community—all while learning Spanish through music they love.

Reggaeton in China is a cultural exchange we didn’t see coming

This is more than a trend. Reggaeton China is proof that Gen Z (and Gen Alpha) language learners are flipping the script on how we learn. Instead of rote memorization or grammar drills, they’re choosing beats, vibes, and lyrics that hit emotionally.

At UPF alone, there are now 275 Chinese students enrolled—nearly a third more in five years. Many are pursuing advanced degrees in Chinese-Spanish translation.

So the next time you hear “Gasolina” or “Tití Me Preguntó” in a dorm room in Chengdu, know this: it’s not just a party. It might be Spanish class.

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