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.
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.
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 '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 'full firepower,' this term describes going all out or giving maximum effort in a task or situation. It reflects enthusiasm and commitment.
In this competition, we must go all out and leave no regrets.
Literally meaning 'resignation letter', it is often used in a humorous or dramatic context when someone is ready to quit their job, sometimes jokingly shared on social media.
I wrote a resignation letter last night, but I haven’t decided whether to submit it today.
Meaning 'back waves,' this term refers to the younger generation or those who are new to the workforce, especially in a context that emphasizes their potential and dynamism. It's often used positively to highlight the...
The younger generation is changing the world, bringing new ideologies.
Translating to 'set off again,' this phrase is used to encourage resilience and starting anew after setbacks. It embodies a hopeful and positive outlook on facing challenges.
Failure is okay; what's important is to set off again.
Literally 'sea shopping,' refers to purchasing goods from overseas, especially through the internet. It's a popular trend among Chinese consumers looking for unique products.
I recently got into sea shopping and bought many foreign clothes.
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 'escaping reality,' this term refers to avoiding responsibilities or challenges in life. It's often used humorously to describe binge-watching shows or playing video games instead of facing real-life ob...
On weekends, I just want to escape reality and binge-watch shows.
Translating literally to 'dry rice,' this term humorously refers to the act of eating, often used to indicate someone who eats a lot or enjoys meals intensely.
The food at this restaurant is really good; I enjoyed my meal a lot today.
Translating to 'smoke rising,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is working hard or feeling overwhelmed with tasks. It conveys a sense of urgency and intensity.
Lately, I've been working so hard that I feel overwhelmed.
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 'hard to accept,' this term expresses feelings of dissatisfaction and a sense of injustice, often used in commentary on life events or social issues. It can also relate to emotional struggles.
He really finds it hard to accept this situation.
Literally means 'chicken baby.' It describes parents who excessively push their children to excel academically or in extracurricular activities, often leading to stress and anxiety. It’s a critical term towards high-p...
Many parents are pushing their children too hard, putting too much pressure on them.
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 'treasure balance', this term refers to a popular financial product in China that allows users to earn interest on their idle money while keeping it accessible. It reflects a growing trend of digital fi...
I keep my living expenses in the treasure balance; it’s safe and can earn some interest.
Literally meaning 'instant noodle culture,' this term describes a lifestyle characterized by convenience, often linked to quick meals and the fast pace of modern life. It highlights the practicality embraced by many y...
Young people today enjoy instant noodle culture; they're too busy to cook.
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.
Social anxiety - Fear of social situations.
I have social anxiety, do not want to go out.
Literally meaning 'to charge,' this term has evolved to mean 'to recharge oneself' or 'to take a break.' It is often used when someone needs to rest or recover energy.
I'm too tired from work; I need a few days to recharge.
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.
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.
Meaning 'useless wood,' this term humorously describes someone who feels incompetent or unable to succeed in a given situation. It can be used self-deprecatingly or towards others.
I feel like I've become useless lately.
Meaning 'to strive hard', this term describes the relentless effort and hustle that individuals put into their careers or ambitions, often used to commend hard work in a competitive society.
In this city, striving hard is a part of everyone's daily life.
This term means 'to stroll' or 'to wander around,' often used to describe a relaxed outing or leisurely activity. It connotes a carefree lifestyle.
Let's take a stroll in the park today.
Meaning 'easy' or 'relaxed,' this term is often used to describe something that is not stressful or challenging. It can also imply a carefree attitude toward life.
Today's work is quite easy.
Translating to 'do as one pleases', this term expresses a carefree attitude toward life, often used to describe someone living freely without regard for social norms or pressures.
I just want to do as I please and not be constrained.
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.
This term means 'to mix with society', referring to the experience of navigating social interactions and establishing one's place in social contexts. It often implies effort and adaptability.
In the workplace, mixing with society is an important skill.
This term means 'cheating' and is commonly used to describe dishonest behavior, especially in academic or competitive contexts. It can also be used humorously in non-serious situations.
Today's exam was really difficult; it was tough to pass without cheating.
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.
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.
This phrase translates to 'lying down to make money', implying easy or passive income. It's frequently used in discussions about side hustles or investments that require little effort.
Now many people hope they can make money passively.
Meaning 'relay,' this term is used to describe passing on responsibilities or tasks in a collaborative manner. It reflects teamwork and collaboration in achieving a goal.
We need to relay tasks to each other to complete this project.
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.
Translating to 'urban disease,' this term refers to the various issues faced by people living in cities, such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. It captures the negatives of urban living amid the fast-paced lifestyle.
As urban issues worsen, people increasingly yearn for a pastoral life.
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.
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.
This phrase means 'return to reality' and is used to describe the need to stop daydreaming or being overly optimistic, often after a situation leads to disappointment. It implies a reminder to be pragmatic.
You can’t always fantasize about success; you need to return to reality.
Translating to 'Engine Oil', this term refers to someone who is very knowledgeable and skilled, often in a technical field. It is used as a compliment for those who know their craft very well.
This teacher is really knowledgeable; the explanations are thorough.
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.
This term means 'to achieve one's wishes' and is often used when someone successfully attains something they desired. It encapsulates a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
As the New Year arrives, I hope everyone can realize their wishes.
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.
Working 24/7 with zero days off — the extreme beyond 996. 007 means working from 0am to 0am, 7 days a week: never stopping. Used ironically to describe the most grueling work environments.
Our team is on 007 — didn't even get the weekend off last week.
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.
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.
Meaning 'fragile' or 'weak', this term is often used to describe someone who is emotionally sensitive. It has gained traction in discussions around mental health and vulnerability.
In this high-pressure society, many people feel fragile.
This term means 'filial piety' and describes the respect and devotion children show towards their parents. It reflects a cultural value deeply ingrained in Chinese society.
He is a very filial child, often helping his parents.
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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