拔草 (bá cǎo)
Pulling grass - Finally buying something you wanted.
Finally bought this bag I wanted.
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.
Pulling grass - Finally buying something you wanted.
Finally bought this bag I wanted.
Literally 'Tai Chi Punch', it refers to someone who is overly cautious or slow to make a decision, often because they are weighing all possible outcomes. This term is often used to describe people who overthink situat...
You're really being overly cautious; just decide already!
This translates to 'instant noodles' and is often used metaphorically to describe quick, convenient meals or life choices. It also reflects a casual lifestyle.
I just want to eat instant noodles tonight; I’m too tired.
Translating to 'riding the fence', this term describes someone who is indecisive or non-committal, particularly in discussions or disputes.
He always rides the fence on this issue, which is quite disappointing.
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.
'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.
Meaning 'online lending', this term is used to refer to digital platforms that offer loans. It often carries a negative connotation due to concerns about high interest rates and the potential for financial troubles.
He is in deep debt because of online lending; it's truly a lesson learned.
Literally 'to go to the cloud', this term refers to accessing technology or services online, particularly cloud storage or services. It reflects the trend towards digitalization in daily life.
My files are all in the cloud now, so I’m no longer worried about losing them.
This term literally means 'puzzle' but is used in internet slang to refer to cooperative efforts to solve a problem or complete a task with others. It emphasizes teamwork and collaboration in achieving goals.
We are working together like a puzzle in this project.
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.
Meaning 'atmosphere,' this term describes the mood or feeling in a particular setting, especially in social situations. It’s crucial in discussions about events and gatherings.
The atmosphere of this party is very good; everyone is happy.
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.
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.
Literally meaning 'to inject chicken blood', this slang describes someone who is highly motivated or pumped up, often in a humorous manner. It's used when someone is full of energy or enthusiasm.
Today he is really pumped up and acting especially proactive.
Literally 'simmer on low heat,' it metaphorically refers to taking a slow and steady approach to achieve results. This term suggests that patience and gradual progress are vital.
For anything you do, take it slow and steady to see real results.
Meaning 'routine' or 'standard practice', this term is used to describe customary behaviors or expectations in various situations. It often highlights the rituals people follow in life or work.
Having meetings here is our routine.
Too tired to love - So exhausted that you have lost passion.
Work has drained all my passion.
Literally translates to 'suddenly becoming an old person,' this slang expresses feelings of being overwhelmed or tired, especially after too much responsibility or stress. It's a humorous way to convey exhaustion.
I have so much work; I suddenly feel like an old person.
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.
Translating to 'heavy reliance,' this term describes a person or situation that heavily depends on something or someone else, especially in a humorous or exaggerated context.
I'm heavily reliant on this software; I can't live without it.
Translating to 'treasure book,' this term is used to refer to a guide or resource that provides valuable tips or insights in a specific area, often related to lifestyle, study, or online culture.
This book is a treasure guide for writing; I've learned a lot from it.
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 fish in the side door,' it refers to engaging in side jobs or unorthodox methods of earning money, often implying a sense of opportunism or taking risks.
He always looks for side jobs and small businesses.
Translates to 'emotion value', this term refers to the emotional state or the perceived emotional health of individuals. It's often discussed in relation to mental health and well-being on social media platforms.
Recently, my emotional value is a bit low; I need to go out more.
This term translates to 'worker', similar to '打工人', but with a slightly more formal tone. It refers to people who work under employment instead of being self-employed or entrepreneurs.
As workers, we need to voice our rights.
Translating to 'home man/home woman', these terms refer to individuals who prefer staying at home and often engage in hobbies like gaming, watching movies, or reading. They are often associated with a subculture that ...
He's a typical home guy, spending weekends at home playing games.
Happy water - Coca-Cola or sugary drinks.
Get me some happy water!
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.
Literally 'empty nest youth', this term describes young adults who live alone, often away from their families. It addresses the loneliness and challenges they face while adapting to independent life.
As an empty nest youth, I sometimes feel lonely.
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 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.
Meaning 'to eat dust,' this term is used to describe items that are unused or neglected, especially gadgets or hobbies that someone has lost interest in. It indicates a waste of potential or resources.
My new gaming console is now gathering dust.
This phrase means 'live in the moment,' urging individuals to focus on the present rather than worrying about the past or future. It's often used in wellness and mindfulness discussions.
Enjoy life, live in the moment.
Literally means 'ice cream economy'. It refers to a transient economic approach, often characterized by the idea of enjoying short-lived pleasures which can apply to spending habits and lifestyle choices.
Today's young people pursue the ice cream economy, enjoying the moment without thinking about the future.
Meaning 'to lie down' or 'to slump', this term describes the act of relaxing in an unstructured or lazy manner, often used humorously to refer to moments of giving up stress and responsibilities.
Today I just want to lie down and watch shows, not do anything.
This phrase literally means 'water and soil are not suitable', referring to feeling uncomfortable or unwell, especially in a new environment. It carries a sense of adaptation issues.
I just moved to a new city and feel uncomfortable.
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 'positive energy', it refers to an optimistic attitude and mindset, often used in motivational content and discussions.
She always shares some positive energy stories that uplift people.
This term translates to 'circle layer' and refers to social or professional groups with similar interests or backgrounds. It highlights the concept of social stratification and belonging.
In this circle, everyone has high aspirations.
Literally meaning 'red envelope', this term is often used to refer to digital monetary gifts given during festivals or celebrations, especially on platforms like WeChat. It symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
I received many red envelopes for the New Year; I'm happy!
To Land on Shore / Made It Through
Three years of preparation and I finally made it — I got into Peking University for grad school!
This term means 'debt dodger' and refers to individuals who refuse to pay their debts. It is often used in discussions about accountability and financial responsibility.
This person has already been labeled a debt dodger by everyone; many are afraid to lend him money.
This phrase means 'a common heart' and is often used to advise someone to maintain a calm and ordinary perspective in life, particularly during challenging times. It encourages simplicity and acceptance.
It's important to maintain a common heart when facing difficulties.
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.
Literally 'angel investment,' this term refers to investments made at the early stages of startups or projects. It’s often used in entrepreneurial discussions.
I hope to find some angel investment to support my project.
Literally 'chip mentality,' this phrase reflects the habit of seeking immediate gratification, akin to how people snack on chips. It implies a tendency to desire instant rewards without consideration for the long term.
Many young people now have a chip mentality and lack patience.
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.
This term translates to 'self-motivated' and is often used to describe someone who takes initiative without needing external prompts. It's used in both positive contexts to praise someone's work ethic and in sarcasm w...
He is always self-motivated and never requires me to push him.
Literally means 'strong man'. It is used to refer to muscular, powerful men, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner.
He works out hard; he's a strong man.
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