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
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 'rice-eating person,' this term is used to describe those who put a significant focus on eating good food, often prioritizing meals over other activities. It emphasizes a love for food culture and can b...
We are all 'rice-eating people' and absolutely cannot miss good food.
Literally meaning 'cock-a-doodle-do', this term playfully refers to procrastination, particularly when someone avoids responsibilities by being idle or distracted. It's often used to describe someone who puts off work...
Today I procrastinated all day.
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.
This term means 'transformation' and is used to describe significant changes in a person’s appearance or character, especially in the context of personal growth or online personas.
Through this trip, his life underwent a transformation.
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.
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.
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 '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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depressed vibes - Feeling hopeless and unmotivated.
Feeling depressed lately, do not want to do anything.
Meaning 'body, mind, and spirit', this term emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, promoting balance in physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment. It's often discussed in wellness and self-help...
I've been focusing on the balance of body, mind, and spirit 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.
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.
This phrase translates to 'push down and start over', referring to the act of completely redoing something from scratch. It reflects a desire for a fresh start.
This project has failed; I've decided to start over from scratch.
Translates to 'steady and solid,' this term is used to describe someone's reliable nature or approach, particularly in financial or work contexts. It suggests stability and measured decision-making.
He performs very steadily at work and is trustworthy.
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 'bottomless pit,' this term describes something that continuously consumes resources or attention without any apparent return. It can refer to financial investments, time drains, or even emotional energy.
This project is like a bottomless pit; the more we invest, the more it consumes.
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 '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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 phrase translates to 'spending money like water,' used to describe someone who spends money extravagantly or carelessly. It serves as a critique of financial irresponsibility.
He spends money like water and doesn't care at all.
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.
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.
This phrase translates to 'a bit interesting' and is used to express curiosity or intrigue about something, often in a light-hearted or humorous context.
This story is a bit interesting; I want to hear more.
This term refers to 'young rich kids' or affluent youth, often used to describe those who display wealth without much regard for effort. It's sometimes used derogatorily to criticize spoiled behavior.
Look at those young rich kids; their spending is so casual.
This term means 'warm' or 'buzzing with excitement,' often used to describe something that is fresh, trending, or lively, particularly in social or culinary contexts.
The dishes at this new restaurant are really buzzing with excitement; they taste great.
Translates to 'clever ghost,' referring to someone who is quick-witted and smart, often used as a compliment to describe sharp individuals.
She is really a clever ghost; she always comes up with great ideas.