# learn Chinese

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To quit or transfer from a major professional sports league, suggesting a player does not deserve their current place.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see learn, Chinese.

## Etymology
From the phrase "Get ready to learn Chinese, buddy," originating from an image macro falsely quoting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in reference to controversy surrounding player Kyrie Irving, suggesting that Irving should be exiled to lower-tier Chinese league.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/learn-chinese