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
Translates to 'standard operation', used to describe expected or routine actions in given situations. It can be used humorously when something doesn't go as planned.
This should be a 'standard operation'; I didn’t expect it to go wrong.
Translating to 'aunt color', this term describes certain clothing colors or styles that are deemed unflattering or outdated. It’s often used in fashion discussions.
This color is a bit 'aunt color'; it doesn't really suit you.
A numeronym that refers to '9 to 5 work hours,' suggesting a traditional job with standard work hours. It often conveys a sense of mundane routine and can be used cynically.
I’m tired of the 9 to 5 life.
Meaning 'hidden dragon, crouching tiger', this phrase describes individuals with great skills or talents who remain unrecognized. It signifies the potential that lies beneath the surface in various contexts, such as g...
This company is full of hidden talents, many of the employees are very capable.
Translating to 'how to resolve worries', this phrase is often used to reflect on sources of comfort or relief during stressful times. It’s commonly used in discussions on mental well-being.
Music is a good remedy for resolving worries.
Translating to 'skincare maniac,' this term is used to describe someone who is extremely passionate about skincare routines and products. It highlights the growing culture of beauty and self-care among younger generat...
She's a skincare maniac; she shares new products every day.
A playful way of saying 'happy,' this term is used to express joy or satisfaction in a light-hearted manner. It often appears in memes and casual conversations.
I'm very happy today; my mood is especially good.
Meaning 'drifting to the north,' this slang refers to people who move to Beijing for work or study, often associated with the struggles and challenges of living in a big city.
As a person drifting to Beijing, I feel tremendous life pressure.
This term means 'serious' or 'earnest', often used to express determination or focus on a task. In internet culture, it can also imply sarcasm when someone pretends to take a trivial matter seriously.
You need to take this matter seriously.
Translating to 'to be in', it often refers to a state or condition someone is currently experiencing. It's commonly used when discussing life situations or challenges.
I am currently in a very confused stage of my life.
Translating to 'good item recommendation', this phrase is often used in online shopping and social media to share product suggestions that the speaker finds valuable or enjoyable.
Let me make some good item recommendations for you; these products are truly useful.
Translating to 'sadness flowing upstream into a river,' this term captures a sense of deep sorrow or emotional struggle, often used to describe dramatic situations.
I've been feeling overwhelmed with sadness lately.
This term mimics the sound of a chicken or pigeon and is often used to describe procrastination or avoiding responsibilities. It carries a humorous undertone about being lazy.
Recently, I've been procrastinating and have no time to study.
Meaning 'embrace change', this term encourages adapting to new situations and challenges. It's often used in motivational contexts to inspire resilience and positivity.
In the face of life's challenges, we must learn to embrace change.
This term means 'small composition' and refers to the habit of creating small, often humorous or relatable posts about everyday life. It's commonly used to engage a community and share experiences.
I wrote a small composition today; everyone come take a look!
Translating to 'slump' or 'languish,' this term describes a state of hopelessness or lack of motivation. It's often associated with a feeling of being stuck or lost.
Recently, I’ve been feeling a bit down and unmotivated.
Translating to 'quickly accomplished,' this term refers to a fast-track approach to acquiring skills or knowledge, often associated with online courses or tutorials. It reflects the desire for efficiency in learning.
Quickly accomplished courses are becoming more and more popular now.
Literally meaning 'to push someone’s back', this term refers to encouraging someone to take action or make a decision, especially in social interactions or work situations.
In work, sometimes you need to encourage people a bit to be more proactive.
Literally meaning 'annual salary of one million,' this term is often used to describe a high-paying job or aspiration, symbolizing success and wealth.
I hope to have an annual salary of one million in ten years.
Literally 'little white shoes,' this term has come to symbolize a trendy and fashionable lifestyle. It's often used to describe someone who is fashionable and in touch with current trends.
She is wearing a pair of little white shoes, they look amazing.
Meaning 'academic underachiever', this self-deprecating term is used by students who struggle academically or don’t excel in their studies. It can also be used humorously among friends.
I’m really an academic underachiever; I failed again on this exam.
This term can be translated to ‘feeling great or pleasant’, often used to express satisfaction or enjoyment in various contexts, including daily life, gaming, or after achieving something beneficial.
Today is a holiday; it feels so good!
Translating to 'struggling youth', this term describes young people who work hard to achieve their dreams in the face of social and economic pressures. It reflects the ambition and challenges of the younger generation.
As a struggling youth, I work hard every day to pursue my goals.
Meaning 'request for leave', this term is often used humorously in context where someone is avoiding responsibilities, such as work or school, by pretending to be sick or needing personal time. It conveys a sense of p...
I'm taking a leave today; I want to rest well for a bit.
This phrase combines 'punk' and 'health,' suggesting a rebellious approach to wellness that prioritizes enjoyment and lifestyle choices over traditional health practices. It's often used humorously about balancing ind...
I've recently embraced punk health, enjoying good food and drinks, and my mood is great.
This phrase translates to 'great luck and great profit' and is often used to wish someone good luck, especially in competitive situations like gaming or business.
Let’s all do our best; wishing us great luck and great profit!
This term translates to 'relatives' and is often used humorously to refer to a large, chaotic family gathering or any situation that feels overwhelming due to many familial obligations.
During the Spring Festival, all the relatives came over; it was really lively.
This term translates to 'emotional labor,' referring to the effort put into managing one’s emotions and expressions, especially in a workplace context. It highlights the often-unrecognized work of maintaining a pleasa...
In customer service work, emotional labor is very important.
Literally meaning 'fat宅’s happy water', this colloquial term humorously refers to sugary or unhealthy drinks (like soda) that appeal to people who enjoy a sedentary lifestyle. It indicates a fun and carefree attitude ...
On weekends, I’m going to enjoy some fat宅's happy water and relax!
Originally referring to rewards from good karma, this term is now used to describe good fortune or blessings that come unexpectedly. It often reflects a hopeful or optimistic outlook towards life’s challenges.
I believe that hard work will bring blessings, and the future will surely be better.
Literally means 'not moving the brain'. It's used to describe someone who is acting without thinking critically or considering consequences, often in a playful way.
This decision was made without any thought; there was no consideration of the consequences at all.
This term means 'too competitive' and reflects the intense pressure and competition in modern society, especially in education and work. It highlights the stress of consistently needing to prove oneself.
Today's college students are too competitive; the pressure is immense.
Translating to 'selfie stick', this term refers to a device used for taking selfies or group photos at a distance. It's become a symbol of social media culture.
I need a selfie stick to take a family photo.
Literally translating to 'a fierce tiger in the heart,' this term describes someone with intense passions or ambitions. It often conveys a sense of inner strength and determination.
In the workplace, those with fierce ambitions always stand out.
Meaning 'fast-moving consumer goods', this term is often used to describe products that are sold quickly at relatively low cost, such as snacks and beverages. It has made its way into casual conversation, especially i...
There are so many types of fast-moving consumer goods in the supermarket.
A slang term for young workers, especially in low-paying jobs. It conveys a sense of solidarity among those who are working hard yet feeling underappreciated in society.
As a young worker, I feel tired every day, but I believe hard work will pay off.
Literally meaning 'more to share', this term refers to a popular e-commerce platform that allows users to buy goods in groups for discounts. It signifies the culture of collective buying in a sharing economy.
I just bought some discounted items on Pinduoduo; it was very cost-effective.
Means 'to lay it all out.' It refers to openly discussing or revealing one's thoughts and feelings, often in an unfiltered manner.
I want to lay it all out about this matter; everyone come listen to my views.
Translating to 'play games,' this phrase describes the activity of gaming in a casual manner. It's widely used across different age groups and indicates engagement with games as a form of leisure.
Tonight, I plan to play games to relax a bit.
Literally 'free-range,' this term describes a parenting or management style that allows for independence and freedom, often used in discussions about child-rearing or team leadership.
I take a free-range approach to parenting, hoping they can grow independently.
Meaning 'to change profile picture', this term signifies updating one's social media avatar, often used in a context reflecting personal changes or new beginnings. It's often associated with social media trends.
I've decided to change my profile picture to symbolize a new beginning in my life.
Translating to 'good morning,' this simple greeting is often used in casual conversations or social media posts. It reflects everyday politeness and connection.
Good morning; I wish you a wonderful day!
Translating to 'fast food culture', this term describes the trend of seeking instant gratification and convenience in modern life, often referring to a lack of depth or quality in experiences.
Fast food culture has led people to experience less of real life.
Translates to 'acting like a silly person.' It refers to someone being carefree, silly, or making light of serious matters. It captures a playful attitude towards life.
Today I just want to act silly and not think about anything serious.
This phrase is used to indicate that someone feels unusually energetic or lively today. It can be used both sincerely and sarcastically, often to inject humor into a conversation.
I feel a bit energetic today; maybe it’s because I drank too much coffee.
Meaning 'auspicious' or 'lucky,' this term is used to describe good fortune or positive vibes in a situation. It's often used in celebrations or when things go well.
Today is an auspicious day; I passed my exam!
Translates to 'working is fun.' This phrase can be used sarcastically to express dissatisfaction with work life while pretending to embrace the grind. It's often used among young professionals who feel trapped in a de...
Even though work is tiring, I still insist on 'working is fun.'
Literally 'escape pod', this slang is a metaphorical reference to a personal space where one can retreat during stressful situations, often used humorously. It highlights the importance of self-care and stress relief.
I need an escape pod every day to relieve stress.
Translating to 'treasure book,' this term is used to refer to a guide or resource that provides valuable tips or insights in a specific area, often related to lifestyle, study, or online culture.
This book is a treasure guide for writing; I've learned a lot from it.
Meaning 'the life of a worker', this phrase expresses the struggles and hardships faced by employees in modern society. It’s often used to highlight the challenges of balancing work and personal life, resonating with ...
Facing all this pressure, I really feel like the life of a worker.