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.
This phrase means 'burning my calories' and is commonly used in fitness contexts. It's a motivational expression often used during workouts or dieting, suggesting a commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
Going to the gym today, ready to burn my calories!
Translating to 'recouping costs', this term is often used in business contexts to describe the process of recovering an investment. It reflects a common concern among entrepreneurs and business people.
Although this event cost a lot, I hope we can recoup the costs.
Meaning 'to pretend,' this term is often used to describe someone who is faking or acting as if they possess certain qualities or feelings. It can imply a lack of authenticity.
She pretended to be happy at the gathering, but in reality, she was quite depressed.
Refers to 'school district housing,' a term used to describe homes located in desirable school districts, often leading to high real estate prices. It emphasizes the value placed on education in Chinese culture.
Buying a house in a good school district is a dream for many parents.
Meaning 'fancy' or 'variety', this term often describes creative or elaborate ways of doing something, particularly in food or entertainment. It suggests innovation and flair.
The fancy drinks he made look so delicious.
This phrase means 'to discover potential' and is often used in contexts related to personal or professional development. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing one’s talents.
The goal of education is to discover potential and help students become better versions of themselves.
Translating to 'self-cultivation,' this term refers to the practice of personal development and self-improvement. It signifies a commitment to enhancing one's character and abilities over time.
I'm working hard to improve my self-cultivation by reading more books.
Translating to 'doing odd jobs', this term refers to performing various low-level tasks or jobs, often without specific expertise or significance. It's commonly used in discussions about work situations.
In the company, I’m responsible for doing odd jobs; I have a lot of errands to run.
Translating to 'my heart is bitter', this phrase expresses feelings of internal struggle or sadness, often used humorously to lighten the mood about personal problems.
I got scolded by my boss again today; my heart is bitter.
Meaning 'hair loss,' this term is often used humorously to describe the stress and pressures of modern life, especially among young professionals. It's common in discussions about work-life balance.
While working overtime, I feel like I’m losing my hair.
Painless; often used in health and wellness contexts to describe methods or experiences that do not cause discomfort. It can also refer to lifestyle changes that feel effortless.
This fitness equipment is very painless to use, suitable for beginners.
Translating to 'showcase oneself', this term encourages individuals to express their talents or personalities and to be confident in their abilities. It's commonly used in motivational contexts.
You must showcase yourself during the interview.
Meaning 'resignation wave', this term describes the recent trend of employees voluntarily choosing to quit their jobs, often reflecting broader issues in workplace culture and employee satisfaction.
Many young people are joining the resignation wave in search of a better life.
Translating to 'petting cats', this term describes the act of playing with or caring for cats, reflecting a lighthearted attitude towards pet ownership. It often expresses a sense of comfort and relaxation.
I like to pet cats when I want to relax.
Meaning 'chasing dreams', this term is often used to encourage pursuing one’s aspirations or passions. It is frequently employed in motivational contexts, especially among youth.
I want to chase my dreams and work hard to achieve my ideals.
Translating to 'fried chicken,' this term is often used in a fun context to reference comfort food. It has gained traction as a metaphor for feeling good or enjoying one's life.
Let's go eat fried chicken tonight!
Referring to 'nail households,' this term describes residents who refuse to leave their homes despite real estate development or eviction pressure. It symbolizes resilience and determination against authority.
During the city’s reconstruction, these nail households became the focus of the media.
This phrase means 'to take a gamble' or 'to take a bold risk.' It conveys the idea of fully committing to a challenge or opportunity, often with the hope of achieving success.
For my dream, I decide to take a bold risk.
Meaning 'premature consumption', this term describes the trend of spending money before actually having it, often seen in the context of credit cards and online shopping. It reflects a consumer culture focused on inst...
Many young people are engaging in premature consumption these days.
Translating to 'fire within the body', this slang is used to describe someone who is highly motivated or passionate about something, often to an intense degree. It reflects a sense of drive and enthusiasm.
As a working person, having fire within is a must.
This phrase literally means 'buying soy sauce' but is used to refer to someone who is just passing through or not involved in something significant. It implies a level of detachment or indifference.
I’m just here to pass through at this gathering, not wanting to get too involved.
This term translates to 'to do something half-heartedly' and is used to describe a lack of genuine effort or sincerity, often in relationships or work. It carries a negative connotation and implies disappointment.
His half-hearted attitude really disappointed me.
This term means 'extravagant' or 'opulent' and is used to describe individuals who live a lavish lifestyle, often in the context of wealth and luxury. It reflects a cultural appreciation for prosperity.
His lifestyle is very extravagant.
Translating to 'monthly salary three thousand', this term humorously describes a low-paying job, often used by young professionals who feel trapped in underemployment.
My current job makes me feel like I'm earning three thousand a month.
Burning the midnight oil culture; this term describes the phenomenon of people staying up late, particularly in urban and digital contexts, often for work or entertainment. It's indicative of a hustle culture where sa...
To binge-watch a series, I’ve once again embraced the midnight oil culture.
Literally means 'afraid of getting hot,' but it refers to the concern about getting overly stressed or anxious in challenging situations. It's often used in a humorous context to emphasize one's nervousness about upco...
I have an important interview tomorrow; I'm a bit afraid of getting stressed.
Translating to 'the smoke of human life', this term represents the warmth and richness of everyday life, particularly in contrast to the mundane or routine aspects. It emphasizes the beauty found in ordinary experiences.
I love observing the smoke of human life in everyday routines; it brings me warmth.
Literally meaning 'big aunt', this euphemism refers to menstruation. It’s often used humorously among women when discussing their periods.
I’ve been feeling a bit unwell lately; it might be that my big aunt has arrived.
Translating to 'release your feelings', this term refers to the act of letting go of stress or negativity to enjoy life. It encourages a carefree attitude and is often used in posts about relaxation and self-care.
On weekends, I like to release my feelings and take a walk by the sea.
Literally means 'drinking chicken soup'. It is used metaphorically to describe consuming motivational quotes or advice, usually in the context of self-help. The term has a humorous undertone when discussing clichés.
I don’t want to consume motivational quotes anymore; these sayings are too cliché.
Translating to 'good item sharing,' this term is used when people recommend products or experiences that they find valuable or enjoyable. It’s commonly seen in lifestyle blogs and social media posts.
I’m going to share some good items with you all; I've bought some great things lately.
Translating to 'slasher youth,' this term describes young people who pursue multiple careers or interests simultaneously, embodying a diverse and multifaceted approach to work and life. It's used to celebrate versatil...
I'm a slasher youth; I design during the day and take photos at night.
Translating to 'hot pot enthusiast', this term describes someone who is obsessed with eating hot pot or enjoys it frequently. It's often used casually to express a love for this popular cuisine.
I'm truly a hot pot enthusiast; I have to eat it several times a week.
Translating to 'resource depletion,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe feeling burnt out or exhausted, particularly in creative fields or during intense work periods.
I've been so busy with work lately that I feel completely burnt out.
Literally meaning 'to raise the old,' this term is used humorously to describe a laid-back lifestyle, often associated with minimal responsibilities and enjoying leisure time. It’s common among those who dislike conve...
I just want to live a laid-back life now, enjoying each day.
Translating to 'cloud travel', this term refers to virtual travel experiences made accessible through technology, especially during times when physical travel is restricted. It's used to describe the exploration of pl...
During the pandemic, many people opted for virtual travel to relax.
Translating to 'self-improvement', this term refers to efforts taken to develop oneself personally or professionally. It highlights the growing focus on self-care and lifelong learning.
I've been attending many self-improvement courses recently.
Translating to 'strongest brain', this term is often used in contexts praising intelligence or cleverness. It reflects a cultural admiration for intellect and problem-solving abilities.
Your logical reasoning is truly the 'strongest brain'; I admire it!
Translating to 'not much,' this term is often used to describe a casual dismissal of a situation, similar to saying 'it's no big deal.' It's used to promote a relaxed attitude.
Not much, just looking around today.
Translating to 'underage,' this term often refers to young people who are still minors. It can also be used humorously in contexts involving youth culture or innocent behaviors.
Although they are underage, they understand popular culture very well.
This term means 'process' and is widely used in professional contexts to refer to the steps involved in a task or project. It emphasizes efficiency and organization.
We need to optimize this process.
Translates to 'difficult to explain in one word,' used when a situation is too complicated or nuanced to describe easily. It is often used to express exasperation or irony.
In facing this problem, I can only say it's difficult to explain in one word.
Literally 'to chop wood', this slang refers to someone who is hardworking and diligent, particularly in study or work. It's often used to describe students pulling all-nighters or people grinding through their jobs.
To do well on the exam, he works hard in the library every day.
Translating to 'wool party', this term refers to people who seek out benefits or discounts exploitatively. It’s often used in discussions about consumer habits and marketing strategies.
This event attracted a lot of benefit seekers looking to grab discounts.
This term refers to individuals who take charge of their own lives and responsibilities, often used ironically to describe the struggles of adulting. It reflects the challenges faced by young adults trying to be indep...
I strive to be a self-sufficient adult, but I still find it very challenging.
Literally means 'working spirit.' This term refers to the determination and dedication of workers, especially in stressful jobs. It's often used humorously to describe people who work hard but feel unrecognized.
I work tirelessly in the office every day, just to promote the spirit of working hard.
Translating to 'restart life,' this term is often used to describe a major life change, such as quitting a job or relocating. It implies a fresh start or a new beginning, resonating with those seeking transformation.
I have decided to 'restart life' and pursue my dreams.
'King of competition', this term humorously refers to someone who is extremely competitive and strives to outdo others, particularly in academic or professional environments. It often highlights the pressures of socie...
In this company, he's truly the king of competition, and everyone feels the pressure.
Translating to 'study well and improve every day', this phrase is often used to encourage diligence and progress, especially among students and young professionals. It embodies a positive growth mindset.
We must remember: study well and improve every day.
This term means 'self-amusement' and refers to someone who enjoys their own company or activities without needing validation or attention from others. It reflects a carefree attitude.
He amused himself at home by watching his own videos.
Page 11 of 20 — 954 total terms