斩杀线 (zhǎn shā xiàn)
Kill Line / The Floor You Cannot Fall Through
For office workers, the monthly kill line is rent plus the credit card bill — clear that and you can finally breathe.
Welcome to Chinese Slang — the largest free online dictionary of Chinese internet slang (网络用语), with over 3,856 terms. Whether you're studying Mandarin, watching Chinese dramas, playing games with Chinese friends, or just curious about Chinese internet culture, this site gives you pinyin, English meanings, example sentences, and cultural context for every term. New slang is added daily.
Chinese internet slang (网络用语, wǎngluò yòngyǔ) is the informal, constantly evolving language that Chinese speakers use online — on platforms like Bilibili, Weibo, Douyin (TikTok's Chinese version), Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), and in gaming communities. It's a mixture of abbreviations, creative repurposing of characters, meme phrases, and cultural references that you won't find in any textbook.
Unlike formal Mandarin, Chinese internet slang changes rapidly. A term that went viral last year might already feel dated today. Understanding this slang is the difference between reading Chinese content and truly understanding it. When someone says 内卷 (nèi juǎn), they're not just using a word — they're invoking a whole shared understanding of workplace pressure and youth burnout in modern China. When someone says YYDS, they're quoting a gaming catchphrase that became a universal expression of admiration.
Chinese internet slang comes from many sources: gaming culture (especially League of Legends, Honor of Kings), social media trends, TV dramas, memes, and everyday youth frustrations. It often involves clever wordplay using homophones, borrowed English words written phonetically, or new meanings assigned to existing characters. Many terms cross over from Chinese social media into global discourse, especially as Chinese pop culture — music, gaming, anime — becomes increasingly international.
For language learners, knowing Chinese slang opens doors that textbooks can't. It helps you understand authentic Chinese content, connect with native speakers, and appreciate the wit and creativity embedded in Chinese online culture. This dictionary is your guide to all of it.
Here are some of the most well-known and widely used Chinese internet slang terms right now. Each entry includes Chinese characters, pinyin pronunciation, and an English explanation with cultural context.
Kill Line / The Floor You Cannot Fall Through
For office workers, the monthly kill line is rent plus the credit card bill — clear that and you can finally breathe.
Your servant cannot do this - a dramatic refusal meme from 甄嬛传
Wake up at 6am? Your servant absolutely cannot do this!
This term means 'to increase one's knowledge' and is used when someone learns something new or gains insight, especially from online content or discussions.
This article is really good; I learned a lot from it.
Attention seeker; someone who stands out and loves the spotlight
He always speaks up at every meeting — such an attention seeker.
Literally means 'happiness in the duvet'. It describes the comfort and joy of staying in bed, especially on lazy days.
Weekends are meant to enjoy happiness in the duvet; I don't want to go out.
A popular internet slang that represents laughter, similar to 'LOL', it originated from the typing of '哈哈哈' (hā hā hā) where '233' was inputted to represent exaggerated amusement.
This video is so funny, 23333.
Translating to 'old cannon,' this term refers to someone who is experienced but perhaps a bit outdated in their methods. It often has a nostalgic tone, reminiscing about the 'good old days.'
He is an old cannon, but still very charming.
Lie Flat / Grind Hard / Leave — The Three Paths
Young people today face three paths: lie flat, grind, or leave — which do you choose?
Literally 'Kuaishou brainwashing,' it refers to the engaging and addictive nature of content found on the Kuaishou platform. It's often used to describe how people can get hooked on short videos.
After watching a few Kuaishou videos, I've already started to feel brainwashed by them.
This term refers to a type of rice noodle dish that has become immensely popular among young people. The name literally translates to 'snail rice noodles,' but its reputation has grown beyond its s...
Recently, I became obsessed with snail rice noodles; they are just so delicious.
Literally means 'Dong Shi imitating the frown', it describes someone trying too hard to imitate or follow trends without an understanding of what is appropriate or suitable for them.
Her imitation is really like Dong Shi trying to frown; it doesn’t suit her at all.
Translating to 'made me laugh hard', this phrase is a way of expressing how funny something was. It is often used in response to humorous content.
This video made me laugh hard; it’s so funny!
Literally translates to 'little broken station'. It refers humorously to less popular or niche websites or platforms, often used affectionately among users.
We all communicate on this little broken station; it's much more fun than the big sites.
Translating to 'strive for love,' this phrase expresses a romantic notion of working hard for love and relationships. It showcases the often playful seriousness taken in romantic pursuits.
Striving for love is truly the motivation of life.
Mama Kris — affectionate nickname for Kris Jenner, the Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch and manager (momager). On Chinese internet she's the face of manifestation culture and strategic ambition. ...
She plans everyone's career for them — she's basically Mama Kris.
Chinese internet slang covers every aspect of modern life. We organize our dictionary into major topic areas so you can explore terms relevant to your interests:
Our dictionary is updated daily with new slang terms generated and curated by our team. Here are the most recently added entries:
A phonetic code that sounds like 我愿意 (wǒ yuànyì, 'I am willing' / 'I do'). Used as a romantic declaration, especially on May 21st — China's second unofficial Valentine's Day. If 520 means 'I love y...
Today is 521, I want to tell you — I am willing to walk through this life with you.
This term means 'trend' and is frequently used to describe changes in culture, fashion, or social media. It signifies awareness and observation of current developments.
I enjoy keeping up with current trends, especially in the fashion industry.
Translating to 'fog of the human world,' this philosophical term refers to confusion or lack of clarity in emotional or social situations. It expresses the complexity of human relationships.
In love, we often easily fall into the fog of the human world.
Translating to 'emptying the shopping cart,' it refers to the act of going through online shopping and removing items from the cart, often used humorously to address impulse buying or financial res...
To save money, I decided to empty my shopping cart.
Translating to 'having connotation,' this term is used to describe something or someone that is deep, meaningful, or intellectually rich. It is often used in discussions about literature, art, or p...
This work is very meaningful and deserves to be appreciated repeatedly.
Translating to 'the former serfs sing,' this term humorously describes someone who has recently achieved success or improved their circumstances, often used in a light-hearted, celebratory context.
I just got promoted; the former serfs sing, let’s celebrate together!
Meaning 'with this comes,' it’s often used to express that certain consequences or effects follow a specific action or event. It captures the cause-and-effect relationship common in discussions.
Work hard, and with this comes rewards.
This term means 'bad idea' and is often used sarcastically to dismiss someone's suggestion or plan. It encapsulates a humorous tone when expressing disagreement or disbelief in someone's proposal.
Do you think this plan is feasible? I think it's a bad idea.
This phrase translates to 'working is not possible' and is often used humorously to express the aspiration to avoid traditional work, reflecting a desire for financial independence without the cons...
My goal is to quit my job; working is not possible for me.
This term means 'dog hero' and is used affectionately to refer to pets—especially dogs—who are perceived as brave or heroic. It reflects the deep affection many have for their pets.
My dog hero always protects me; he’s truly a little hero.
This phrase means 'do it again,' often used when someone wants to hear or see something a second time, whether in a serious or humorous context. It can show enthusiasm or desire for repetition.
That joke was really funny; can you tell it again?
This phrase literally means 'let's go together,' often used to express solidarity and companionship in various contexts. It's a common expression used among friends or in social engagements.
Let's go together; don't go alone.
This term translates to 'extra surprise' and refers to unexpected, delightful occurrences that surpass expectations. It can be applied in various contexts, from gifts to personal achievements.
This trip had many extra surprises; I was so happy.
This term means 'to urgently help someone in need,' often used in contexts where someone seeks immediate assistance or intervention from friends or the community. It conveys a sense of camaraderie ...
I'm stuck on the road today; I urgently need help!
This term means 'cheating' and is commonly used to describe dishonest behavior, especially in academic or competitive contexts. It can also be used humorously in non-serious situations.
Today's exam was really difficult; it was tough to pass without cheating.
This dictionary is designed to be simple and useful for anyone learning Chinese or curious about Chinese internet culture:
This dictionary is designed for: Mandarin learners at all levels, people watching Chinese dramas or anime dubs, gamers playing with Chinese teammates, professionals working with Chinese colleagues, and anyone curious about modern Chinese culture.
Chinese Slang Dictionary (chineseslang.xyz) is a free, community-supported resource dedicated to documenting and explaining the ever-changing world of Chinese internet slang. We currently have over 3,856 approved slang terms spanning gaming, social media, memes, daily life, love and relationships, and more. Our content is verified by human editors and expanded daily using AI-assisted generation. New terms from Weibo, Bilibili, Douyin, and Chinese gaming communities are added every day.
Our mission is to make Chinese internet culture accessible to English speakers everywhere — whether you're a language learner, a curious traveler, or a fan of Chinese content. All content is free and will remain free.