订阅 (dìng yuè) is a verb meaning 'to subscribe' — typically to a newspaper, magazine, online newsletter, or digital service. The first character 订 (dìng) means 'to order' or 'to arrange', while 阅 (yuè) means 'to read' or 'to peruse'. Together, they literally convey the idea of 'ordering something for the purpose of reading it regularly'. This word implies an ongoing, recurring relationship between the subscriber and the provider.

It’s commonly used in both print and digital contexts: people 订阅 newspapers, podcasts, YouTube channels, or WeChat official accounts. Unlike the more general term 'buy' (买), 订阅 emphasizes continuity and intention to receive content over time. It’s neutral in register — appropriate in formal announcements, casual conversations, and app interfaces. Note that it’s almost always transitive and requires an object (e.g., 订阅杂志), and it does not take aspect markers like 了 or 过 unless specifying completion in context.