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.
This term translates to 'short holiday' and refers to brief breaks during weeks or weekends, especially in relation to work schedules. It embodies the anticipation of time off.
I’m looking forward to the next short holiday to travel.
This phrase means 'unique style' and is used to describe something or someone with a distinctive aesthetic or approach. It conveys appreciation for originality.
Her dressing style is unique and very attractive.
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.
Literally meaning 'how to,' this term is often used to express helplessness or resignation in a situation. It captures a sense of acceptance in the face of adversity, often with a slightly humorous twist.
This matter really leaves me helpless.
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.
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.
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.
Translates to 'wealthy person,' often used in a playful or sarcastic way to describe someone with significant financial resources, particularly in contexts of envy or aspiration.
He’s a wealthy person who spends money like water in various places.
Translating to 'waste utilization', this term is used to describe creatively repurposing or making use of items that would otherwise be discarded. It embodies a resourceful and sustainable mindset.
This old box can be repurposed as a flower pot.
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.
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.
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.
Translating to 'burning', it signifies passion or enthusiasm for something, often used in contexts relating to hobbies, interests, or activism, indicating strong commitment.
I burn with passion every day, working hard for my dreams.
Literally meaning 'to roll up', this phrase indicates getting motivated or ramping up one's efforts in a competitive context, often related to work or study. It expresses a mindset of tackling challenges head-on.
Hurry up and roll up! Everyone is working hard.
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.
Teary eyes - Being moved to tears.
Got teary eyes at this ending.
Literally 'disappearing social interactions', this term describes the phenomenon where people seem to be physically present but mentally disengaged, often due to their phones or social media. It's used to critique our...
At the party, everyone was scrolling on their phones; it was truly disappearing social interactions.
Translates to 'Ode to Joy.' It is used to describe a situation that brings joy and merriment, often in a festive context. The term captures the essence of celebration and happiness.
This gathering is truly an ode to joy!
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.
This slang translates to 'broken' or 'damaged' and is often used humorously to describe someone who is emotionally exhausted or overly stressed. It has a lighthearted connotation in casual settings.
I've been working too much lately; I feel like I'm about to break.
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.
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.
To fly over eaves and run along walls — the classic wuxia description of a martial artist's superhuman agility and stealth. Online, used to admiringly or sarcastically describe anyone who moves with unexpected speed, ...
He snuck out the moment the boss was gone — practically flying over walls.
Translating to 'silent exit,' this term refers to leaving a conversation or group without making a fuss, often used when someone feels uncomfortable or is avoiding drama.
He felt out of place in the group chat, so he chose to exit silently.
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.
This phrase literally means 'a salted fish turning over' and refers to someone who has undergone a significant change in life, often from a state of laziness or mediocrity to one of success. It embodies the idea of re...
He finally found a good job; it's truly a case of turning over a salted fish!
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 order takeout', this commonplace phrase reflects the modern convenience of food delivery, especially among busy urban dwellers. It represents a significant aspect of contemporary dining culture.
I worked overtime too late today, so I decided to order takeout.
Literally 'bad luck,' this term is used to express frustration over unfortunate events or circumstances. It conveys a sense of being jinxed or unfairly treated.
Today I’m really unlucky; I lost my wallet.
This term means 'group buying' and refers to individuals coming together to purchase items at a lower price. It signifies a collaborative effort to save money on purchases and is popular in e-commerce discussions.
We can group buy some items; it’s more cost-effective.
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.
Super / way too / really — a Beijing dialect intensifier used before adjectives to mean extremely. 忒贵 means way too expensive, 忒好 means really great. It is the Beijing equivalent of 太 but carries a stronger working-cl...
This thing is way too expensive — there is no way I can afford that.
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 term means 'minimalism', referring to a lifestyle that advocates simplicity and reducing material possessions. It's used in discussions around lifestyle choices, interior design, and fashion.
I've recently started pursuing a minimalist lifestyle.
Translating to 'clear,' this term is often used to describe something that is easy to understand or perceive. It is used to compliment clarity in communication or thought.
Your explanation is very clear, and it helped me understand.
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.
Means 'cultivation' or 'training,' often used in the context of self-improvement or personal growth efforts, including skills and character development.
I've been focusing on cultivating my professional skills lately.
Translating to 'paying respects for the New Year,' this term refers to the tradition of greeting people during the Spring Festival, conveying good wishes and blessings.
The Spring Festival is approaching; we should greet each other with New Year wishes.
Extend life - Something essential to keep going.
Coffee is my life-extending artifact.
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.
Literally 'buying a car,' this term has shifted to mean acquiring something significant or valuable, often used in contexts of making big life decisions or investments. It can also imply making a commitment.
He’s preparing to buy a car; it seems he’s ready to settle down.
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.
Translating to 'hugging fists', this gesture indicates respect and acknowledgment towards someone, often used in martial arts contexts. It’s a way of expressing goodwill and camaraderie.
During the competition, I used the hugging fists gesture to show respect to my opponent.
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 phrase translates to 'I’m having a hard time,' often used humorously to express feelings of overwhelm or frustration in a lighthearted way. It’s popular among young people who use it to vent about everyday strugg...
This week's work has made me feel like I'm really struggling.
Meaning 'first aid kit,' this term has evolved in internet slang to describe a backup plan or essential tools you keep handy for emergencies—especially in social situations. It's often used to refer to being prepared ...
Remember to take the first aid kit before going out, just in case it's needed.
Meaning 'to get rid of' or 'to break free', this term is used when someone seeks to escape from a difficult situation or toxic relationship. It can refer to physical or emotional liberation.
I finally got rid of that job that made me unhappy.
Literally meaning 'cowboy pants,' this term refers to jeans but is often used in slang to describe casual, laid-back style or fashion, indicating comfort.
I'm wearing jeans today; I feel particularly relaxed.
This term means 'to arrange.' In internet slang, it often refers to plans or situations that have been masterfully orchestrated, sometimes used humorously to emphasize the thoroughness of a plan.
I've already arranged our weekend itinerary; I guarantee it will be fun.
Do not / no need to — a contracted Beijing word combining 不用 (no need) into a single character. Extremely common in spoken Beijing dialect and a strong marker of authentic northern Chinese speech. More emphatic and st...
Do not worry about it — I will handle this, trust me.
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