Daily Life Chinese Slang — 954+ Terms with Pinyin & English | Chinese Slang

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.

Daily Life Slang Terms

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.

工作狂 (gōng zuò kuáng)

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.

996文化 (996 wén huà)

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.

辣条 (là tiáo)

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.

清醒好奇 (qīng xǐng hào qí)

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.

在线求助 (zài xiàn qiú zhù)

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.

emo (emo)

Emotional / Sad mood - Feeling down or emotional.

I am feeling a bit emo today.

疫情宅 (yìqíng zhái)

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.

吃土 (chī tǔ)

Eating dirt - Being so broke you can only afford dirt.

After buying this I will be eating dirt.

葛优躺 (gé yōu tǎng)

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.

工地搬砖 (gōng dì bān zhuān)

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.

快乐生活 (kuài lè shēng huó)

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.

小确幸 (xiǎo què xìng)

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.

无酒精社交 (wú jiǔ jīng shè jiāo)

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.

我不想上班 (wǒ bù xiǎng shàng bān)

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.

一个子儿都没有 (yī gè zǐ er dōu méi yǒu)

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.

打工人 (dǎ gōng rén)

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.

没戏 (méi xì)

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.

彻底放飞 (chè dǐ fàng fēi)

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.

捞钱 (lāo qián)

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.

坑爹 (kēng diē)

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.

种草 (zhòng cǎo)

Planting grass - Being influenced to want to buy something.

After watching her video I want to buy it.

打飞的 (dǎ fēi de)

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.

搞钱 (gǎo qián)

To hustle; to grind for money; to chase the bag

No rest on weekends — I'm out here getting that money!

铁饭碗 (tiě fàn wǎn)

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.

送外卖 (sòng wài mài)

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.

泡面侠 (pào miàn xiá)

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.

败家子 (bài jiā zǐ)

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.

独角戏 (dú jiǎo xì)

Translating to 'one-man show,' this term is used to describe situations where someone is handling everything alone, often in a dramatic or overwhelming way. It’s used humorously when someone overworks themselves in so...

She is truly putting on a one-woman show, doing everything by herself.

打死不屈 (dǎ sǐ bù qū)

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.

马马虎虎 (mǎ mǎ hū hū)

This phrase means 'so-so' or 'mediocre,' used to describe something that is not bad but also not great. It conveys a sense of indifference towards quality.

This movie is so-so; there's nothing special about it.

周末 (zhōu mò)

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.

热乎 (rè hu)

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.

随之而来 (suí zhī ér lái)

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.

额外惊喜 (é wài jīng xǐ)

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.

算命 (suàn mìng)

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.

奶茶一级棒 (nǎichá yī jí bàng)

Literally 'milk tea is top-notch', this phrase expresses a strong affection for milk tea, which is immensely popular among young people. It represents the culture of enjoying bubble tea outings.

Let's go have some top-notch milk tea today!

思维导图 (sī wéi dǎo tú)

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.

有点儿意思 (yǒu diǎn er yì si)

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.

鲸吞 (jīng tūn)

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.

不求人 (bù qiú rén)

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.

姨妈来了 (yí mā lái le)

Literally means 'Auntie has come' and refers to a woman’s menstrual period. It’s a euphemistic way of mentioning it to avoid directness.

I might not be available today; Auntie has come.

攀比 (pān bǐ)

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.

先来一波 (xiān lái yī bō)

This phrase means 'let's start with a wave', often used when introducing something or initiating a discussion. It’s a playful way of engaging others.

Let's start the meeting with a warm-up.

情绪拉垮 (qíng xù lā kuǎ)

This phrase means 'emotionally collapsed,' often used when someone feels overwhelmed or burdened by stress or negative feelings. It expresses a state of emotional exhaustion.

I'm so tired from work today; I feel emotionally collapsed.

无可厚非 (wú kě hòu fēi)

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.

自我怀疑 (zì wǒ huái yí)

Translating to 'self-doubt,' this term captures feelings of uncertainty about one’s abilities or worth. It resonates with young adults facing pressures of success and often appears in motivational contexts.

In the workplace, self-doubt is a common feeling shared by many.

个性签名 (gè xìng qiān míng)

Translating to 'personal signature,' this refers to the custom signature or quote that individuals use in their online profiles or social media. It's often a reflection of one's personality or current mood.

I changed my personal signature to let everyone know how I'm feeling lately.

真牛 (zhēn niú)

This phrase means 'really impressive' or 'awesome.' It is often used to compliment someone's skills or achievements, particularly in competitive fields like sports or academics.

Your speech was really impressive; everyone loved it.

爽爽 (shuǎng shuǎng)

This term conveys a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, often used to respond positively to something delightfully surprising. It reflects a sense of enjoyment.

I just had an ice cream; it felt really satisfying.

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