被窝里的快乐 (bèi wō lǐ de kuài lè)
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.
This section of the Chinese Slang Dictionary focuses on Daily Life slang. Each entry includes the Chinese characters (汉字), pinyin pronunciation with tone marks, an English translation, at least one example sentence showing real usage, and cultural context explaining where the term comes from and how it is used. Terms are sorted by community popularity. Browse the full list below or use the search bar to find a specific term.
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.
Referring to the '996 working hour system' (9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week), this term criticizes the grueling work culture many face, particularly in the tech industry. It highlights the unhealthy work-life balance pr...
Our company follows the 996 culture, and many people are very tired.
Meaning 'workaholic', this term is used to describe someone who is excessively devoted to their work, often to the detriment of personal life. It reflects modern work culture's pressures.
He’s truly a workaholic; he doesn’t rest on weekends either.
Sober curious — a mindset of consciously questioning your relationship with alcohol rather than quitting cold turkey. Someone who is 清醒好奇 isn't necessarily a non-drinker; they're curious about what life feels like wit...
I'm in a sober-curious phase right now — skipping drinks at parties whenever I can, and honestly I feel so much clearer.
This term literally means 'working person' and is used to refer to individuals who are part of the labor force, especially in low-paying jobs. It conveys a sense of camaraderie among workers who feel overworked and un...
As a working person, I strive every day for a better life.
Translating to 'instant noodle hero', this term is humorously used to describe someone who frequently consumes instant noodles, often due to a busy lifestyle or lack of cooking skills. It can also evoke nostalgia for ...
In high school, I was an instant noodle hero; I only started learning to cook now.
Planting grass - Being influenced to want to buy something.
After watching her video I want to buy it.
Translating to 'pandemic homebody', this term describes individuals who became accustomed to staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. It often has a humorous or relatable connotation, depicting the lifestyle chan...
I have turned into a pandemic homebody, and I feel uncomfortable going out.
Emotional / Sad mood - Feeling down or emotional.
I am feeling a bit emo today.
Translating to 'moving bricks on a construction site,' it refers to hard and possibly low-paying work. It is often used humorously to describe people who work hard but earn little, especially in social media contexts.
Going to work feels like moving bricks on a construction site; it’s exhausting.
Eating dirt - Being so broke you can only afford dirt.
After buying this I will be eating dirt.
Translates to 'completely let go', it describes a carefree attitude, often used when someone decides to stop worrying about responsibilities and just enjoy life.
The holiday is here, and I've decided to completely let go of myself.
This term means 'wasteful child' and is used to describe someone who squanders money carelessly or extravagantly. It reflects a negative judgment on reckless spending.
He is such a wasteful child; he spends money like there's no tomorrow.
Alcohol-free socialising — going out, hanging with friends, and building connections without a drop of alcohol involved. Think mocktails, specialty teas, and coffee dates instead of bar rounds. A rising lifestyle tren...
Alcohol-free socialising is trending lately — let's switch to a specialty tea house for our catch-up.
Literally meaning 'to fly a plane,' this term is used informally to describe someone who travels quickly or impulsively, particularly for leisure or adventure.
This weekend, my friends and I impulsively flew to the beach.
Translating to 'I don't want to go to work,' this phrase expresses burnout and reluctance towards work. It's commonly used among the younger generation feeling the pressures of job responsibilities.
Monday is here again, and I really don't want to go to work.
Translating to 'happy life', this term emphasizes the pursuit of happiness and well-being in daily living. It encourages individuals to focus on positivity.
We should pursue a happy life and enjoy every day.
To hustle; to grind for money; to chase the bag
No rest on weekends — I'm out here getting that money!
Referring to spicy strips of snack food, this term has become a cultural symbol for youth trends and indulgence in junk food. It's often mentioned in a nostalgic or humorous context.
After school, we always go buy spicy strips to eat.
Translating to 'fishing for money,' this term refers to making money through various means, often implying opportunistic or quick ways to earn cash. It can carry both positive and negative connotations.
He has been making money online recently; business is good.
Literally meaning 'to pitfall one's father', this term is used to express frustration or disappointment when something is not as promised or goes wrong unexpectedly. It's a playful way to highlight being cheated or le...
The service at this restaurant is really disappointing; I've been waiting an hour and still no food.
Literally meaning 'deliver takeout,' this term is often used to describe working in the food delivery sector, but can also imply low-status jobs in a joking manner. It reflects a humorous view of gig economy jobs.
He’s delivering takeout now and starting his own business.
Meaning 'seeking help online', this term describes the act of asking for assistance or advice through social media platforms. It reflects the growing trend of seeking community help in digital spaces.
I am seeking help online, hoping to receive some advice.
Not a single penny — the most direct Beijing way to say you are completely broke. Zir (子儿) is a Beijing dialect word for the smallest unit of money, so this means you literally have zero. Used to state financial reali...
My salary has not come in yet this month — I do not have a single penny.
Translating to 'iron rice bowl,' this term refers to a stable, secure job that offers guaranteed income and benefits. It symbolizes job security in contrast to precarious employment.
Some people are just seeking that kind of stable job.
Referring to a specific lounging position made famous by Chinese actor Ge You, this term is used to describe a laid-back or lazy attitude towards life. It captures the essence of relaxation and casualness.
After a tiring day, I just want to lounge on the sofa.
Translating to 'no show' or 'no chance,' this term describes a situation where success seems unlikely. It's often used in a casual context to express skepticism about outcomes.
He has no chance in this exam; his preparation just isn't enough.
Translating to 'small but certain happiness,' this term describes the little joys and pleasures in life that bring happiness. It emphasizes appreciating the small things that may seem inconsequential but influence ove...
Having a cup of coffee every day is my small but certain happiness.
Translating to 'fortune telling', this term is used in both traditional and modern contexts to refer to the practice of seeking predictions about one’s future based on astrology or other methods. It can also have a pl...
I like to go for fortune telling to see what the future holds.
Translating to 'not asking for others', this term describes a self-sufficient attitude where one prefers to rely on oneself rather than depend on others for help or support.
I prefer to be self-sufficient and solve my problems myself.
This term means 'weekend' and is commonly used to refer to leisure activities or relaxation time after a workweek. It’s often associated with social plans or personal time.
Let's go hiking this weekend.
Translating to 'all night until dawn,' this phrase describes staying up all night, especially for activities like gaming or studying. It highlights a culture of late-night dedication and commitment.
For this project, I stayed up all night until dawn.
Literally meaning 'pressure mountain big,' it describes feeling overwhelmed or heavily stressed. It's a humorous exaggeration that has become popular among young people.
Work and studying make me feel overwhelmed; I want a holiday.
This term refers to 'young rich kids' or affluent youth, often used to describe those who display wealth without much regard for effort. It's sometimes used derogatorily to criticize spoiled behavior.
Look at those young rich kids; their spending is so casual.
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.
The 996 work schedule — working from 9am to 9pm, 6 days a week. The symbol of overwork culture and labor exploitation in China's tech industry. Sparked massive national debate about workers' rights.
The 996 schedule is completely normal at this company — there's no life outside work.
Translating to 'killing time', this phrase refers to activities that occupy one's time without necessarily being productive. It reflects a casual or leisurely approach to passing moments while waiting or looking for e...
I like watching videos to kill time.
Working 24/7 with zero days off — the extreme beyond 996. 007 means working from 0am to 0am, 7 days a week: never stopping. Used ironically to describe the most grueling work environments.
Our team is on 007 — didn't even get the weekend off last week.
This term means 'warm' or 'buzzing with excitement,' often used to describe something that is fresh, trending, or lively, particularly in social or culinary contexts.
The dishes at this new restaurant are really buzzing with excitement; they taste great.
Translating to 'mind map,' this term refers to a visual tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. It's often used in educational and professional settings to enhance comprehension and creativity.
To prepare for the report, I organized all my thoughts using a mind map.
This phrase means 'not unreasonable,' used to express that while something may not be ideal, it’s understandable or justifiable. It’s often used in discussions to show acceptance of imperfect situations.
Facing this pressure, it is not unreasonable for them to choose to give up.
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.
Meaning 'to compare', this term is generally used in a negative context when people measure their success or possessions against others. It reflects societal pressures and competitiveness.
In this society, the phenomenon of comparison is becoming more serious.
Yeah, that's right / uh-huh — a distinctly Beijing affirmative sound used to agree, confirm, or acknowledge. More casual and warm than a standard 对 (correct). Unmistakably northern Chinese and a strong marker of genui...
You said we are meeting tomorrow? Uh-huh, I will message you then.
Translating to 'dormitory economy', this term refers to a trend where students or young adults monetize their living spaces, often by creating content or running small businesses from their dorms. It reflects the entr...
Many people are now engaging in dormitory economies, using their spaces to make money.
This phrase translates to 'a bit interesting' and is used to express curiosity or intrigue about something, often in a light-hearted or humorous context.
This story is a bit interesting; I want to hear more.
Literally means 'whale swallowing'. It refers to someone or something that indiscriminately consumes or absorbs a large quantity of something, often used in the context of resources or knowledge.
He’s like a whale swallowing knowledge in his studies.
Translating to 'refuse to yield even if beaten', this term describes a person who is determined and resilient despite adversity. It is often used to praise someone's strength of character.
Her spirit is unyielding even if beaten; we should learn from her.
Meaning 'online', this term signifies being connected to the internet or active on social media. It's often used in discussions about presence in the digital space.
I'm online now; feel free to ask me anything.
This term means 'filial piety' and describes the respect and devotion children show towards their parents. It reflects a cultural value deeply ingrained in Chinese society.
He is a very filial child, often helping his parents.
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