The conversation around Bitcoin has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once a niche topic discussed in online forums, it now regularly appears in mainstream media, financial reports, and investment portfolios. Yet, despite its growing prominence, misconceptions about Bitcoin’s pricing and divisibility persist—especially in non-English speaking communities. One of the most overlooked but potentially impactful issues lies in how we talk about Bitcoin: the use of the Chinese measure word “個” (ge) when referring to Bitcoin units.
While seemingly trivial, this linguistic habit may be contributing to widespread misunderstanding—and could even be holding back broader adoption. Could adjusting how we display Bitcoin values help unlock a new wave of investor interest? Let’s explore why rethinking Bitcoin’s unit system, particularly by adopting bits, might be more than just semantics—it could be the key to the next bull market.
The Problem with "One Bitcoin"
When discussing Bitcoin in Chinese, it’s common to say “一個比特幣” (one Bitcoin). This phrasing, while natural in everyday language, introduces confusion. Unlike physical objects like apples or cars, currency units aren’t typically counted with “個.” You wouldn’t say “one dollar” using a measure word in Chinese—you’d just say “一美元.” So why do we do it with Bitcoin?
The issue is psychological and practical. Referring to a full Bitcoin as “one” reinforces the idea that it’s a single, indivisible asset—like owning one house or one car. But Bitcoin is highly divisible, down to eight decimal places. One whole BTC is actually 100 million satoshis (the smallest unit), making it one of the most finely divisible currencies in existence.
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Using “個” inadvertently makes Bitcoin seem expensive and inaccessible. At prices exceeding $60,000, many potential investors assume they need tens of thousands of dollars to participate. In reality, you can buy as little as **10,000 satoshis** (less than $6 at current rates) and still be part of the network.
Beyond Language: The Real Cost of Misunderstanding
Two major misconceptions stem from this linguistic quirk:
- Bitcoin is too expensive to buy – Many believe you must purchase an entire BTC.
- Bitcoin cannot be divided infinitely – Some argue that splitting “one Bitcoin” into smaller parts contradicts its digital scarcity.
These misunderstandings aren’t just theoretical—they impact real-world adoption. Newcomers intimidated by high price tags may delay entry or avoid crypto altogether. Meanwhile, those who do invest often do so without fully grasping how fractional ownership works.
In English-speaking markets, this problem is mitigated by common usage of BTC as a unit, not a countable object. People say “I have 0.5 BTC,” not “I have half a Bitcoin.” Similarly, technical communities use satoshi for microtransactions and bits for everyday pricing.
Understanding Bitcoin’s Units: From BTC to Satoshi
Bitcoin supports multiple subunits for practical use:
- 1 BTC = 1 Bitcoin (the base unit)
- 1 mBTC (millibitcoin) = 0.001 BTC
- 1 μBTC (microbitcoin) = 1 bit = 0.000001 BTC
- 1 satoshi = 0.00000001 BTC
The bit (μBTC) has gained traction as a user-friendly alternative. At $60,000 per BTC, **1 bit equals $0.06, making prices far more relatable. Imagine seeing a coffee priced at 50,000 bits instead of 0.05 BTC**—the former feels tangible, while the latter seems abstract.
This isn’t just about perception. Behavioral economics shows that price presentation influences purchasing decisions. Retailers commonly use charm pricing (e.g., $9.99 instead of $10.00) because it psychologically registers as significantly cheaper. Similarly, displaying Bitcoin prices in bits could reduce perceived entry barriers.
Precedents in Finance: Stock Splits and Unit Adjustments
Changing how value is displayed isn’t new. In traditional finance, companies perform stock splits to maintain accessibility. When Apple’s stock neared $1,000 per share, it executed a 4-for-1 split, reducing the price to ~$250. The company’s value didn’t change—but the lower price attracted more retail investors.
Bitcoin doesn’t need splits because it’s divisible, but adjusting display units achieves the same effect. Showing prices in bits is functionally equivalent to a 1-million-to-one split, making transactions feel more manageable without altering supply or value.
Several platforms have already embraced this idea:
- BitPay adopted bits early on.
- Coinbase allows users to toggle between BTC and bits.
- Some wallets default to satoshis or bits for small transactions.
Yet adoption remains inconsistent. Most exchanges still default to BTC, perpetuating the “high price” narrative.
Industry Voices on Unit Reform
Bobby Lee, former CEO of BTCC, has long advocated for shifting to smaller units like mBTC or bits. He argues that at high valuations, using full BTC creates unnecessary friction for new users.
Others suggest going all the way to satoshi-based pricing, especially if Bitcoin reaches six or seven figures. However, satoshis may be too granular for daily use—imagine quoting prices in hundreds of millions.
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The consensus? Change is needed—but only if the market agrees. As Huobi founder Leon Li noted when consulted: “I don’t oppose it—it depends on market acceptance. We’d likely run a user survey or vote before implementing.”
Could Bits Trigger a Bull Market?
Bitcoin has been in a prolonged consolidation phase. Institutional interest is growing, but retail participation lags behind previous cycles. One major reason? Perceived inaccessibility.
In 2015, Bitcoin was under $500—affordable even in whole units. Today, even modest amounts appear costly when shown as fractions of BTC. By switching to bits:
- Prices become psychologically easier to digest.
- Microtransactions gain visibility.
- New users feel empowered to start small.
This shift wouldn’t change Bitcoin’s fundamentals—but it could dramatically improve user onboarding and confidence.
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Consider this: if a cup of coffee costs 0.002 BTC, it feels abstract. But if it’s 2,000 bits, suddenly it makes sense—just like paying 300 yen for a soda in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does changing the unit affect Bitcoin’s value?
A: No. Switching from BTC to bits is purely cosmetic—like measuring distance in meters vs. kilometers. The underlying value remains unchanged.
Q: Why not just use satoshis instead of bits?
A: Satoshis are too small for practical pricing (e.g., 20 million satoshis for a phone). Bits strike a balance between precision and usability.
Q: Has any major exchange adopted bits as default?
A: Not yet universally, but some platforms like BitPay and older versions of Coinbase support it. Wider adoption would require industry coordination.
Q: Is this change technically difficult?
A: Not at all. It’s a display-layer adjustment—no blockchain modifications needed.
Q: Will this really bring in new investors?
A: Evidence from behavioral economics suggests yes. Lower perceived entry costs increase engagement across financial products.
Q: What are the core keywords for this topic?
A: The main SEO keywords are: Bitcoin units, bits, satoshi, Bitcoin price display, Bitcoin adoption, crypto accessibility, fractional Bitcoin, Bitcoin bull run.
Conclusion: A Small Change With Big Potential
Language shapes perception—and perception drives behavior. The way we talk about Bitcoin influences who feels welcome in the ecosystem. By moving away from misleading terms like “個” and embracing intuitive units like bits, we can make Bitcoin more approachable without compromising its integrity.
This isn’t about inflating demand artificially—it’s about removing artificial barriers. If the crypto industry unites around a more user-friendly standard, it could spark renewed interest from millions of观望者 (onlookers). And that might just be the spark needed to ignite the next bull run.
The technology is ready. The infrastructure exists. All that’s left is a shift in mindset—and how we choose to display a number.