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 literally means 'turn around,' and is used in a metaphorical sense to indicate changing one's mind or direction in life. It's popular among youth who often reconsider their choices.
I've decided to turn around and change my career direction.
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 'dark circles under the eyes', this term describes the visible signs of tiredness or lack of sleep, often used to express the struggles of balancing work and personal life.
I stayed up late working last night, and today my dark circles are really obvious.
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 translates to 'no regrets in this life' and is often used to express satisfaction with one's choices or experiences. It reflects a live-in-the-moment attitude.
I love to travel; I have no regrets in this life.
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!
Literally 'screw', this term describes a person who plays a small but crucial role in a team or project. It can be used affectionately to emphasize their importance despite being less visible.
In this team, I’m just a screw, but I’m important too.
To recommend enthusiastically - Strong recommendation of something you love, like MLM-level enthusiasm.
I have to recommend this drama to you, it is so good!
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.
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 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.
Means 'secret corner'. This term is often used to describe a niche interest or a hidden aspect of culture that is not widely known or appreciated. It celebrates the beauty of lesser-known things.
I found many secret corners in this city that are surprisingly delightful.
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.
This term translates to 'spiritual internal consumption', referring to mental exhaustion caused by overthinking or internal conflicts. It describes the phenomenon where thoughts sap one's energy, often discussed among...
Recently, I've been experiencing spiritual internal consumption and feel very tired.
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.
This term translates to 'unsatisfactory' or 'unfortunate,' often used to describe frustrations or setbacks in life. It reflects a resigned acceptance of difficulties.
Life always has its unsatisfactory moments.
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.
Translating to 'reverse studying abroad', this term refers to Chinese students returning from abroad to study or work in China. It highlights the trend of coming back home with international experiences.
More and more young people are choosing to study abroad in reverse.
Meaning 'walk a bit, stop a bit,' this term describes a leisurely attitude towards life, often used to emphasize taking things slow and enjoying life’s little moments. It reflects a relaxed lifestyle.
I like to walk a bit and stop a bit, enjoying the scenery every day.
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.
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.
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.
Short for 'electronic commerce', this term encompasses all online trading activities. It is commonly used in discussions about online shopping platforms and trends in the retail industry.
Online shopping is very popular now; many people choose to shop online.
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.
This expression means 'in great spirits' or 'very happy.' It's used to describe a positive emotional state, often reflecting excitement or joy.
Today is sunny, and I'm in great spirits.
This term means 'to prepare' and can be used humorously to indicate being overly ready or over-prepared for something trivial. It reflects a mindset of readiness in various contexts.
I've prepared so much for this gathering; I'm really over-prepared.
Meaning 'offline', this term is often used humorously to describe someone who is out of touch with current trends or news. It can also refer to a person who does not participate in social media.
You've been offline for too long these days.
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.
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.
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.
Translating to 'knowledge point', this term emphasizes key pieces of information or insights, often used in educational contexts. It’s a way to highlight important facts in discussions or learning.
The knowledge points of this course are very important; everyone needs to remember them.
Translating to 'supreme', this term is often used to describe something that is the best of the best, particularly in a humorous or exaggerated manner.
This dish is truly supreme!
Translating to 'don’t touch my cheese,' this term humorously signifies not wanting to share one’s personal space or possessions. It expresses a protective attitude towards one’s belongings.
He always wants to use my desk; don’t touch my cheese!
Recover blood - Regaining energy or money after loss.
Finally recovered after a good sleep.
This term means 'hardship' and is often used to describe the struggles and difficulties one faces in life. It conveys a sense of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.
Despite the hardships I've faced, I still choose to persevere.
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.
Translating to 'English corner,' this term refers to informal gatherings for language practice, often involving discussion and casual conversation. It's popular among students learning English.
We hold an English corner in the park every Wednesday.
Translating to 'doing nothing,' this term describes a state of being idle, without plans or activities. It's often used to express boredom but can also relate to relaxation and leisure.
There's nothing to do today; I feel so idle.
Social death - Describes an extremely embarrassing moment in public that makes you want to disappear. Similar to 'I want to die of embarrassment'.
I was singing loudly on the subway and realized I wasn't wearing headphones. I socially died.
Translating to 'silent monster', this term describes someone who may appear quiet but possesses significant skills or knowledge, often surprising others with their capabilities.
He’s a silent monster; he always scores high on exams.
Translating to 'sudden wealth', this term describes someone who becomes rich unexpectedly or due to luck. It often carries a sense of excitement or envy.
He recently struck it rich; it’s really enviable.
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.
This phrase translates to 'working to earn baby formula money', often used humorously to describe working hard for basic needs or to support family. It highlights the struggles of balancing work and family life.
I work every day to earn baby formula money; it’s not easy.
Translating to 'real chicken soup', this term refers to overly sentimental or motivational phrases that are supposed to uplift but can seem clichéd or insincere. It is often used sarcastically.
After hearing his words, I feel like this is real chicken soup.
The '996 work schedule' refers to a work culture where employees are expected to work from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. It has become a controversial topic highlighting issues of work-life balance and labor rights i...
Many companies implement the 996 work schedule, but employees generally feel dissatisfied.
Literally meaning 'liver protection,' this term humorously refers to taking care of oneself, especially when facing stressors. It often implies doing things that promote self-care and well-being.
With such work pressure, don't forget to take care of yourself!
Literally translating to 'common people,' this term is often used humorously in a self-deprecating manner by individuals to refer to themselves, highlighting their status in societal hierarchies.
As a common person, I have my dreams too.
Translating to 'ten thousand fires urgent,' this phrase describes a situation that requires immediate attention or action, indicating a high level of urgency.
I have something extremely urgent to tell you!
Literally meaning 'exchange a bird gun for a cannon,' this phrase means to upgrade to a better situation or item. It's often used in humorous contexts to denote a major life improvement.
I'm ready to upgrade and get a new car.
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.
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