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.
Referring to 'military training', this term describes mandatory training exercises for students. It’s often associated with rigorous discipline and hard work, typically conducted at universities.
Every year, the school organizes military training; it's really exhausting.
This term means 'by the way' or 'while you're at it,' often used to indicate taking an additional action while doing something else. It reflects a casual, efficient approach to multitasking.
I will go to the supermarket and by the way, buy some fruit.
Literally meaning 'to flip one's life,' this term refers to making a significant positive change or transformation in one's life. It is often used in motivational contexts to inspire others.
I want to change my life through hard work.
Out of tune, unreliable, irresponsible — a Beijing expression for someone who cannot be counted on. Literally means not hitting the right musical note. Used to describe people who talk big but never follow through.
This person is completely unreliable — he never keeps his promises.
Translates to 'hot pot culture.' This term encapsulates the social aspect of dining in a hot pot restaurant, where people gather around a communal pot to cook and share food. It's popular among friends and family for ...
We are going to experience hot pot culture this weekend!
Translating to 'contemporary young people', this term describes the current generation of youth and their attitudes, habits, and challenges. It's often used in sociological discussions.
Contemporary young people have a very different perspective on work compared to the past.
Translating to 'ice and fire, two different skies', this term describes situations that have extremely contrasting conditions or feelings, often used to highlight the duality in experiences, emotions, or outcomes.
Life is always ice and fire, making people feel extremes.
This term means 'miscellaneous talks' and refers to casual discussions or talks about various topics. It often implies a relaxed, informal conversation.
Tonight, let's have a miscellaneous talk about the recent hot topics.
'憋屈' means 'to feel wronged' or 'suffocated' and describes a situation where someone is unable to express their feelings or frustrations. It highlights the emotional weight of unexpressed grievances.
My thoughts were not understood, and I really feel wronged.
Translating to 'turning the page', it refers to moving on from past events or situations, often associated with healing or closure. It encapsulates the idea of leaving old troubles behind.
After this incident, I should move on now.
Translating to 'unlock new skills,' this term describes acquiring new talents or experiences, often used in a humorous context to announce personal achievements or growth.
Recently, I unlocked a new skill: I learned how to bake cakes.
To dawdle, drag your feet, or be annoyingly wishy-washy — a Beijing word for someone who is slow and indecisive, keeps going back and forth instead of just acting. Expresses strong disapproval of inefficiency.
Can you stop dawdling? You said let's go — stop dragging your feet.
This term means 'perfectionism', referring to the desire to achieve flawlessness. It's often discussed in relation to mental health and the pressures of societal expectations.
Her attitude towards work shows some perfectionism.
Literally meaning 'bed culture', this term refers to the trend of staying in bed for extended periods, often while binge-watching dramas or streaming content online. It's associated with a laid-back lifestyle where pe...
Recently, I've been obsessed with bed culture, watching dramas in bed every day.
Referring to the historic battle, this term metaphorically describes a significant defeat or setback, often in a competitive or professional context. It's used to highlight unexpected failures.
This exam is my Waterloo; I think I'll fail.
This phrase means 'boiling hot' or 'in full swing', used to describe something that is vibrant, enthusiastic, and engaging. It reflects a positive energy surrounding events or activities.
The atmosphere at the party was vibrant; everyone was happy.
Translating to 'to nag,' this term is used to describe someone who speaks incessantly or repeatedly about a subject, often in a tiresome way.
She always nags, which makes me feel annoyed.
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.
Translating to 'graveyard economy,' this term humorously refers to activities that people engage in after their work, such as hobbies or side jobs that don't yield significant financial returns. It highlights how peop...
I've recently started a graveyard economy, making handicrafts.
Translating to 'Buddha-like life', this term describes a laid-back approach to life where one goes with the flow and doesn't stress about outcomes, often considered a healthy mindset.
I'm living a Buddha-like life now, trying not to force things.
This expression means 'stable with surplus', indicating a situation that is not only stable but also has room for improvement or extra benefits. It's often used in finance or planning contexts.
Our plan is stable with surplus; we can complete multiple projects at once.
No way out, nothing I can do — a quintessential Beijing expression of helplessness or resignation. Literally means no rut in the road (nowhere for the cart to go). Used when you have exhausted all options and simply h...
The landlord insists on raising the rent — nothing I can do, I will just have to move.
This phrase means 'everything is hard at the beginning,' emphasizing that starting any new endeavor can be challenging. It encourages perseverance and resilience.
Starting this project will definitely have difficulties; everything is hard at the beginning.
Literally 'hide and seek,' this term is used to describe avoiding responsibilities or hiding from situations, often humorously. It's a playful way to refer to someone who is ducking out of obligations.
He has been playing hide and seek lately, not wanting to work.
Translating to 'milk tea shop', this term represents a trendy space associated with socializing and enjoying new flavors, often reflecting the popular milk tea culture in China. It’s often referenced in social media p...
Let's go to the milk tea shop after work!
Translating to 'opening with red,' this term refers to achieving success or making a good start in a new endeavor, often used in business or personal projects.
The new shop opened successfully; it's fantastic.
The word means 'to wander' or 'to roam,' often used to describe a carefree or aimless lifestyle. In internet slang, it can refer to free-spirited individuals enjoying life without commitments.
I want to live a wandering life, free and unburdened.
Pulling grass - Finally buying something you wanted.
Finally bought this bag I wanted.
Translating to 'self-doubt,' this term captures feelings of uncertainty about one’s abilities or worth. It resonates with young adults facing pressures of success and often appears in motivational contexts.
In the workplace, self-doubt is a common feeling shared by many.
Literally meaning 'to touch everywhere,' this term conveys the idea of experiencing or trying out a wide range of things, often in the context of food or travel. It reflects a curious and adventurous spirit.
I want to try all the delicious food in this city.
Translating to 'killing time', this phrase refers to activities that occupy one's time without necessarily being productive. It reflects a casual or leisurely approach to passing moments while waiting or looking for e...
I like watching videos to kill time.
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.
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.
To hash something out, argue through every detail — a Beijing word for lengthy, thorough discussion of a matter, often with a tinge of exasperation. Can mean let's work this out or stop over-explaining depending on co...
We need to hash this out properly — what exactly do you mean?
Literally translated as 'moving bricks,' this slang term refers to doing hard work or labor-intensive tasks, often used to describe tedious jobs.
I’m moving bricks every day; it's really tiring.
Means 'planning', often used in the context of event organization or project management. It denotes careful thought and strategy.
Our event planning was excellent; everyone is very satisfied.
This term translates to 'model student' and is used to describe someone who excels in their studies or exhibits exemplary behavior. It reflects admiration for academic dedication and success.
He is always regarded as a model student in the class; everyone admires him.
Translating to 'mind map,' this term refers to a visual tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. It's often used in educational and professional settings to enhance comprehension and creativity.
To prepare for the report, I organized all my thoughts using a mind map.
Literally 'milk tea culture', this term refers to the trend and lifestyle associated with consuming milk tea, which has become a symbol of youthful leisure and social gatherings. It signifies a lifestyle trend common ...
Everyone is pursuing milk tea culture now.
Literally means 'to watch the sea', this term symbolizes a longing for freedom and relaxation, often associated with travel and escape from daily pressures.
I really want to go to the seaside to relax and watch the waves.
Meaning 'to freeze', it is used in contexts where something is temporarily halted, such as a project, friendship, or even an online game. It describes a pause in activity or engagement.
This project has recently been frozen, and no one knows what to do.
While literally meaning 'to take a walk', in internet slang, it often refers to casually browsing online or zoning out in a relaxed manner. It's used to depict an easygoing attitude.
Let's go for a walk in the park tonight.
Translating to 'Worker's Day,' it humorously refers to any day spent working hard, especially when people wish they could take a break instead. This term often highlights the grind of everyday work life.
Today is Worker's Day; everyone is exhausted.
Meaning 'to be self-consistent', this term is used to describe someone who is authentic and true to themselves, often in discussions about personal growth or self-acceptance. It encourages embracing one's own identity...
As long as you are authentic, no one can affect you.
Literally 'to empty out,' this term refers to the act of clearing one's mind, often used in the context of needing a break from stress or overwhelming thoughts. It’s akin to 'zoning out' in English.
This week, I plan to really clear my mind.
This term means 'to run wild,' referring to someone who acts freely and without restraint, often in a rebellious or carefree manner. It can be used in various contexts from personal freedom to creative expression.
During the holidays, I want to run wild and travel to explore new places.
Happy water - Coca-Cola or sugary drinks.
Get me some happy water!
Means 'believe in eating rice', used humorously to denote someone whose primary focus in life is on eating well and enjoying food. It reflects the importance of food culture in modern life.
My belief is in eating; I must eat well every day.
This term refers specifically to the phonetic transcription of Chinese characters using the Latin alphabet. It's essential for language learning, allowing non-native speakers to pronounce Mandarin correctly.
While learning Chinese characters, 'pinyin' is also very important.
Translating to 'floating on water,' this term refers to someone who is slacking off or not actively engaging in work or studies. It's often used humorously to describe moments when someone is present but not really co...
During class, he was just floating on water, not paying attention to the teacher at all.
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