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
Literally 'overtime dog', this term describes someone who frequently works overtime, often with a humorous or self-deprecating twist. It reflects the demanding work culture prevalent in many industries.
Recently, I've turned into an overtime dog, having to work overtime every day.
Literally 'planting trees', this term is used metaphorically to mean investing time or resources into something with the expectation of future benefits. It's often discussed in the context of personal development or f...
One should plant trees while young to prepare for the future.
Literally 'ten yuan party,' this term humorously describes people who tend to buy very inexpensive items or have a very limited budget. It reflects a playful approach to frugality.
I’m not just a ten yuan party; sometimes I buy more expensive things.
Translating to 'the myriad of human conditions,' this term reflects the diverse experiences and emotions people encounter throughout life. Often used in discussions about human nature and society.
Through this film, we see the myriad of human conditions; it’s thought-provoking.
Translating to 'wasting youth', this term reflects the concern over not making the most of one's young years, often used in discussions about time management and life choices.
I don't want to waste my youth, so I've decided to start learning new skills.
This term means 'health preservation' and refers to practices aimed at maintaining or enhancing one's health, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. It has gained popularity among young people seeking a bala...
Nowadays, everyone talks about health preservation; I also want to start eating healthily.
Speechless - Having no words due to shock or disbelief.
His actions left me speechless.
Literally translating to 'climbing mountains', this term is often used to describe taking on a challenge and pushing oneself, both physically and metaphorically, in various life aspects. It conveys determination and e...
Every time I face difficulties, I remind myself to keep climbing the mountains.
Awkward / Cringe - Feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.
This situation is so awkward.
Translating to 'happy learning', this term emphasizes the joy of learning rather than focusing solely on grades or outcomes. It promotes a positive mindset about education and self-improvement.
I enjoy finding resources online for happy learning to improve myself easily.
Translating to 'level up and defeat monsters', this gaming slang describes overcoming challenges in life, such as work or personal struggles, similar to leveling up in video games. It emphasizes resilience and progress.
Facing difficulties at work is just like leveling up and defeating monsters.
Meaning 'clearing to zero,' this term often describes starting fresh or over again, particularly after a failure or setback. It’s commonly used in contexts like lifestyle changes or resetting goals.
In the new year, I’ve decided to start fresh and reset.
Literally meaning 'appetizing with rice,' this term is used to describe content that is enjoyable while eating, often referring to videos or shows that enhance the dining experience.
This show is really enjoyable to watch while eating; I always want to watch it during meals.
This phrase means 'awakened to reality', used to describe someone who sees through illusions or falsehoods in life, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone. It captures a sense of clarity amidst confusion.
What she said made me feel awoken to reality.
Literally meaning 'squid,' it is slang for getting fired or let go from a job. The term is often used humorously among young people when discussing layoffs.
I heard the boss is laying off employees; I'm a little scared that I might become a squid.
Translating to 'takeout brother', this term affectionately refers to food delivery workers. It reflects the growing delivery culture in China, particularly in urban areas.
The delivery worker from this restaurant is very friendly.
This term means 'monthly salary' and is often used in discussions about income and financial stability. It reflects the growing concerns about financial pressures among young people.
My monthly salary isn't high, but I enjoy life.
This phrase means to adopt a 'Buddhist' or laid-back approach to life, indicating a sense of detachment or nonchalance towards stressors. It promotes a relaxed attitude, especially towards competitive pressures.
I'm choosing to take a laid-back approach now; I don't want to worry about work.
Meaning 'to dawdle,' this term describes someone who is slow or procrastinating, often used to critique inefficiency or laziness. It highlights frustration with delayed actions.
Stop dawdling and finish your work quickly!
'盲盒' means 'blind box' and refers to a mystery box containing surprise items, popular in collectibles and toys. The excitement comes from not knowing what’s inside until opened, appealing to a sense of curiosity.
I've recently become obsessed with blind boxes and bought several.
Translating to 'let's talk about it tomorrow,' this phrase is often used to procrastinate or avoid dealing with a situation immediately. It humorously reflects a carefree attitude towards responsibilities.
Let's talk about this problem tomorrow.
Meaning 'moisturizing,' this term is often used in a playful way to describe a state of being well off or indulged, especially in a financial context.
I've been living well lately; life is great.
Translating to 'express delivery', this term has taken on a symbolic meaning reflecting the rise of online shopping and convenience culture. It represents instant gratification and the excitement surrounding online pu...
I received my express delivery today; I'm so happy!
Translating to 'slack off', this term describes the act of avoiding work or responsibilities, often humorously. It reflects a common desire to relax or take breaks from intense workloads.
Today, I've decided to slack off and do nothing.
This phrase means 'harmonious society' and represents the ideal of a peaceful and cooperative society, often used in political or social discussions. It emphasizes unity and mutual support.
We should work hard to build a harmonious society.
Translating to 'leisure time', this term is used to describe moments dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. It emphasizes the importance of taking breaks in a busy lifestyle.
I enjoy reading or watching movies during my leisure time.
This term means 'be careful' and is often used as an expression of caution. It encourages mindfulness and awareness in various situations, often used humorously among friends.
This dish is a bit spicy, so be careful when eating it.
This phrase means 'defeated oneself' and is often used when someone overcomes their own limits or insecurities. It's a motivational term that emphasizes personal growth and self-improvement.
I finally defeated myself and completed the marathon.
Translating to 'wasting time', this term is often used to describe activities or discussions that do not lead to productive outcomes. It conveys frustration with inefficient processes.
This meeting is such a waste of time.
This term translates to 'competitive spirit' and refers to the drive and motivation someone has to strive and excel, often used in contexts of ambition and determination.
In the competition, everyone displayed their competitive spirit.
Translating to 'exploding liver', this euphemism describes the act of overworking oneself or pushing beyond one’s limits, particularly in gaming or work contexts. It humorously highlights extreme dedication.
To finish this project, I've really been overworking myself these last few days.
Literally 'normal temperature,' this term refers to situations or people that are modest or down-to-earth, often used in contrast to those who are overly extravagant. It's a way of promoting authenticity.
He’s a very down-to-earth person and always stays authentic.
This idiomatic expression refers to a relaxed and carefree state of mind, often used to indicate contentment in one's own world. It embodies a sense of tranquility.
In this small café, I feel relaxed and carefree.
Immortal / Amazing person - Someone extremely talented.
She is an amazing goddess.
Literally means 'to seek fun.' It indicates doing something just for enjoyment or amusement, often when it’s not serious.
I planned this trip just for fun; I didn’t think too much about it.
Heart-wrenching - Emotionally painful content.
This plot is too heart-wrenching.
Translating to 'to act as one wishes,' this phrase reflects a carefree and independent attitude towards life. It's used to describe pursuing one's desires without constraints.
One should live as they wish, without worrying about others' opinions.
Translating to 'dopamine check-in,' this term describes activities or experiences that provide quick happiness or gratification, often used in the context of self-care.
I exercised today; it was definitely a dopamine check-in.
Translating to 'smash walnuts,' this phrase means to make a big effort for little reward. It's used to describe situations where one puts in a lot of work but gets minimal results, often used humorously.
This report was really a waste of effort; it took me a lot of time.
Literally meaning 'to disturb the heart,' this term is used to express feelings of annoyance or frustration, particularly when something bothers you deeply. It captures a sense of emotional turmoil.
This matter is truly annoying, making it hard for me to concentrate.
Literally meaning 'to protect the skin,' this term refers to the beauty routine involving skincare products and practices. It reflects a growing culture around beauty and self-care in modern society.
Her skincare skills amaze me; her skin looks especially good.
Meaning 'muttering' or 'rambling,' this term describes the act of speaking to oneself or complaining about small matters, often in a nagging tone. It's typically used in a light-hearted context.
I was muttering in the kitchen, feeling it was too troublesome.
Meaning 'sowing seeds,' this term metaphorically refers to initiating something that will develop over time, often used in business or personal growth contexts. It emphasizes the importance of planning and foresight.
Sowing seeds in this field helps with future growth.
Dead otaku - Extreme homebody who never goes out.
He is a complete homebody, never goes out.
Means 'to increase knowledge.' It reflects the pursuit of learning and the importance of acquiring new skills in modern society.
I attended this lecture to increase my knowledge.
Meaning 'sprint,' this term is used to describe putting in extra effort, especially during last-minute attempts to complete a task or achieve a goal, often in academic or sports contexts.
The sprint phase right before the exam is the hardest.
Literally meaning 'comfortable', this term is used colloquially to express satisfaction, both physically and emotionally. It can also describe a pleasant mood.
This sofa is really comfortable to sit on.
Translating to 'online shopping addict', this term describes someone who frequently shops online, often humorously pointing out the obsession with e-commerce.
She is an online shopping addict; almost every day there’s a new package delivered.
Translating to 'group buying', this term refers to a popular shopping trend where individuals join together to purchase items at a discounted price. It’s a collective way to save money, often seen in e-commerce.
Let’s do a group buy for this cosmetic; it’s much cheaper.
This phrase translates to 'Oh my!' and is used to express surprise or astonishment, similar to 'OMG' in English.
Oh my! This price is just too expensive!