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 translates to 'working hard,' combining the notions of labor and struggle. It's often used to express the need to work tirelessly to achieve goals in a competitive environment.
Working hard is my philosophy of life.
This term means 'marginal person,' referring to someone who feels socially isolated or disconnected from a group. It reflects feelings of loneliness or exclusion.
I always feel like a marginal person and can't fit in with everyone.
Translates to 'power bank-style life'. It describes living life in a way that is always 'charging up' to be ready for the next big moment, much like how a power bank keeps devices charged. This term can symbolize opti...
I hope my life can be like a power bank-style life, always full of energy.
'后劲不足' means 'lack of aftereffects' and is used to describe something that initially seems promising or exciting but ultimately falls flat. It conveys disappointment after high expectations.
This movie lacked aftereffects; after watching, I felt it wasn’t worth it.
Translating to 'cannot afford to buy,' this term is used to humorously describe something that is too expensive for one's budget, often seen in discussions of luxury goods.
This bag is really too expensive for me; I can only look at it.
Translating to 'playing with life', this expression refers to working extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion. It highlights dedication and ambition, sometimes with a humorous tone.
He works extremely hard every day; it’s truly admirable.
This phrase means 'Endless and Infinite', often used to describe something that seems to have no end, whether it’s work, problems, or something enjoyable.
This task is truly endless.
Translating to 'self-growth', this term emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-improvement in life, often discussed in motivational contexts.
I'm pursuing self-growth, hoping to become better.
Translating to 'midnight diner,' this term evokes the cozy feeling of enjoying food late at night. It often refers to places or stories that provide comfort and warmth through food.
Midnight Diner is my favorite show to watch.
Meaning 'to borrow the east wind', this phrase signifies using an opportunity or favorable situation to achieve a goal. It reflects the idea of leveraging external factors for personal gain.
I borrowed the east wind in the competition and successfully won first place.
Meaning 'spirited and energetic', this term is used to describe someone who is full of energy or enthusiasm. It conveys a sense of positivity and motivation.
Today I’m spirited and ready to face new challenges.
Translating to 'return to spring', this term refers to regaining vitality or freshness, often after a period of decline. It's used to express rejuvenation in various contexts like health or appearance.
After some care, she has 'regained her vitality'.
Translating to 'post-pandemic era,' this term reflects the societal changes and adaptations that have occurred following the COVID-19 pandemic. It signifies a new normal in lifestyle and social interactions.
We are adapting to the lifestyle of the post-pandemic era.
Meaning 'as expected' or 'sure enough,' this term expresses that something turned out as one anticipated. It often shows a sense of validation or confirmation about a situation.
He didn’t come as expected; I’m really disappointed.
Meaning 'cloud parenting', it refers to the phenomenon of parents sharing and showcasing their children’s lives and achievements online. It emphasizes the virtual aspect of parenting where experiences are shared on so...
I love seeing my friends’ cloud parenting photos on Weibo.
Translates to 'avoid the thunder', a phrase used to warn others against potential pitfalls or bad experiences, particularly in consumer choices or dating.
This restaurant has poor reviews, so everyone should 'avoid the thunder.'
Meaning 'in the comfort of the blanket,' this phrase is used to describe the cozy feeling of staying in bed or under the covers, often associated with relaxation or laziness. It's popular in discussions about resting ...
This weekend, I just want to stay in bed and not go out.
This term simply means 'bored' and is used to express a lack of interest or excitement in an activity. It frequently appears in casual conversations and memes.
Today's class was so boring that I almost fell asleep.
This term means 'self-critique' or 'reflection' and is used when someone acknowledges their mistakes and takes responsibility for them. It emphasizes growth and accountability.
I've been reflecting on my work attitude lately.
Translating to 'year of fate', this term refers to the Chinese zodiac year when one's sign reappears, often considered unlucky. It is often discussed in the context of superstition and personal challenges.
This year is my year of fate; I feel I need to be more careful.
Literally meaning 'return home,' this term is often used to express a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, especially when referring to going back to one's hometown for a break or during holidays. It e...
I'm planning to go back home this weekend; I haven't seen my family in a long time.
Literally meaning 'drink water', in slang this term is often used to remind someone to take a break or to keep themselves hydrated, indicating care. It can also imply a need to pause in stressful situations.
Don't forget to drink water; even when busy, take care of yourself.
Meaning 'choose the day', this phrase indicates making decisions based on favorable circumstances or events. It often implies waiting for the right moment to take action.
I'm choosing the day, waiting for a good opportunity.
This term means 'depressed' or 'sluggish,' often used to describe a low point in moods, economics, or trends. It reflects a sense of despondency or lack of vigor.
Recently, the market has been sluggish, and my investments have been affected.
Translating to 'many things can pass', this phrase means to be tolerant or forgiving about various situations in life. It encourages acceptance and resilience.
Sometimes many things can pass; there's no need to worry too much.
This phrase translates to 'entertaining oneself.' It's often used to describe someone who enjoys their own company and finds ways to have fun independently, especially through activities like gaming or personal hobbies.
He always watches movies alone at home; he's really into entertaining himself.
Referring to 'demolition households,' this term describes people whose homes are demolished for urban development. It is used in debates about housing and social justice, reflecting real estate issues in China.
The stories of those demolition households are heartbreaking.
Literally 'return to the furnace,' this phrase is used to describe a situation where something is sent back for improvement or rework, often in a humorous or critical context. It highlights the need for refinement.
This paper needs to go back for revising; many parts need to be rewritten.
Literally translating to 'cat slave,' this term is used to describe someone who is completely devoted to their pet cat, often at the expense of their own time and resources. It reflects the growing trend of pet owners...
I am really a cat slave; I buy delicious food for my cat every day.
Meaning 'latte', this term is often used in online communities for its cultural relevance to coffee culture. It often represents a casual, trendy lifestyle.
Today I had a cup of latte, feeling very pleasant.
Translating to 'self-reflection', this term emphasizes the importance of looking inward and evaluating one’s own thoughts and actions. It’s often used in contexts of personal growth and development.
Everyone needs self-reflection in order to move forward better.
Translating to 'pearl milk tea,' this term refers to bubble tea, a popular drink that has gained international fame. The term is often used to symbolize youth culture and trendy lifestyles.
I want to go drink bubble tea this weekend.
'Lazy cancer' is a humorous term for extreme laziness, as if one is afflicted by a disease that makes them unable to do anything productive. It’s often self-deprecating, used to express one’s struggle with motivation.
Recently I've been suffering from lazy cancer; I feel bothered even to go out.
Translates to 'the old is even stronger', used to describe older individuals who remain active and engaged, defying age stereotypes. It emphasizes resilience and vitality.
Even though he is older, he remains vibrant and continues to work out.
Translating to 'self-heating,' it refers to food or drinks that can be heated without additional equipment. This term has gained popularity in discussions about convenient food options.
This self-heating rice is very convenient and suitable for office workers.
Meaning 'to pay attention to' or 'to be particular about', this term refers to a refined taste or a focus on quality. It’s often used to denote someone who has high standards.
This restaurant pays great attention to service and atmosphere.
Meaning 'bathing', this term has taken on a humorous connotation in internet slang, often implying that someone is relaxing or taking a break from the hustle of life. It's a metaphor for self-care.
I'm tired from work, I need to take a bath to relax a bit.
Translating to 'teenage period,' this term is often used to discuss the challenges and experiences of youth. It encapsulates the struggles of growing up and the vital experiences during adolescence.
Everyone's teenage period is full of ups and downs.
This phrase translates to 'working to earn money' and highlights the basic motivation behind many people's jobs. It's often used in discussions about economic struggles and the necessity of work.
I'm very busy every day just working to earn money.
Literally means 'playing dead'. It refers to a behavior where someone pretends not to see or hear something in order to avoid responsibility or confrontation, often used humorously to indicate avoidance in awkward sit...
When the teacher asked me a question, I chose to play dead.
This term means 'to clean up' and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as decluttering thoughts or social media feeds. It reflects a desire for simplicity and organization.
I need to clean up my social media.
This phrase translates to 'invisible poor population,' referring to those who may appear to be living well on the outside but are actually struggling financially. It sheds light on the contrast between appearance and ...
Many people are 'invisible poor,' looking glamorous on the outside but feeling anxious inside.
Translating to 'ideal in the human world', this term is used to describe something highly desirable, often representing perfection or an aspirational goal. It can apply to relationships, career, or lifestyle.
This painting is simply an ideal in the human world; it's so beautiful!
Literally means 'bare bottom.' This slang is used to describe someone who is broke or in a difficult financial situation.
I'm really broke this month; I have no money to spend.
This term means 'to delve into' and is used to describe a deep focus on studying or mastering a particular subject. It implies a serious commitment to learning and exploration.
He is very dedicated to delving into this field.
Meaning 'to stay steady,' this term is often used in contexts of maintaining composure under pressure. It reflects a call to be calm and collected despite challenges.
You need to stay steady at this moment; don't panic.
This term means 'saving money' and is a popular topic in internet culture, often relating to frugality and financial discipline. It’s widely discussed in blogs and social media.
Nowadays, everyone is discussing how to save money.
This phrase means 'to build dreams' and is often used to express aspirations and ambitions, particularly among youth. It denotes a hopeful and proactive attitude towards achieving one's goals.
We are all working hard to build our dreams; the future will be better.
Translating to 'experiential', this term refers to activities or events that prioritize personal experiences over traditional methods, often seen in travel or education.
She prefers experiential learning, believing it's more effective.
Means 'loan.' This term has become colloquially used to describe the financial struggles of young people facing the pressures of housing and education costs. It reflects a reality many young adults face today.
He had to apply for a loan to buy a house.
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