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.
Literally 'heart unwilling', it expresses a feeling of dissatisfaction or regret about something that hasn't gone as expected. It conveys lingering emotions.
Although I lost the competition, I feel unwilling and will try again next year.
Literally translating to 'eat first, then say,' this phrase suggests the importance of taking care of basic needs before engaging in discussions or activities. It emphasizes prioritizing self-care.
I'm too hungry right now; I'll eat first and then talk.
This phrase means 'wasting life,' commonly used to express regret or frustration over time spent on unproductive activities or things that don't bring fulfillment.
Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my life binge-watching shows.
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.
Literally 'sorry to disturb,' this phrase is commonly used in a casual tone to indicate lightheartedness when interrupting someone. It's akin to saying 'pardon the interruption' in English.
Sorry to disturb, I just wanted to ask about this matter.
This phrase translates to 'not disturbing' and is often used humorously to indicate that one wants to be left alone for personal time or introspection. It reflects a common sentiment in modern life where people seek s...
I just want to be quiet today, don’t disturb me.
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.
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.
Literally 'financial freedom', this term describes a state where a person has enough wealth to live without working. It reflects aspirations of younger generations for a carefree lifestyle.
Everyone hopes to achieve financial freedom as soon as possible and live the life they want.
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.
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.
Translating to 'human mentality', this term refers to the way people think or approach life. It’s often used to discuss attitudes and mindsets that influence behavior.
Having a positive human mentality is very important.
Translating to 'passionate youth,' this term refers to young people filled with energy and enthusiasm, often involved in causes or movements that inspire change or action. It conveys a sense of idealism and bravery.
As passionate youth, we should actively participate in social activities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Literally 'basking in the sun', this phrase is often used metaphorically to describe enjoying life and being carefree. It conveys a sense of relaxation and contentment.
On weekends, I like to bask in the sun at the park.
This term refers to 'office workers', denoting those who work typical 9-to-5 jobs. It's often used to discuss workplace culture and the daily lives of these individuals.
As an office worker, the pace of life is always so fast.
Translating to 'homework pressure,' this term reflects the stress and anxiety students experience due to academic demands, especially in an increasingly competitive educational environment.
I need to relieve my homework pressure this weekend.
Translating to 'violent thunder', this term refers to sudden and catastrophic financial failures, often used in discussions about investments or business scandals. It suggests shock and unpredictability.
The violent thunder of this company's failure caused significant losses for many investors.
This phrase means 'seeking plums to quench thirst', which metaphorically refers to visualizing something that satisfies one’s desire. It is often used to describe longing or craving something.
During stressful times, I often visualize a bright future to quench my thirst for hope.
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.
Refers to 'pocket money' and is often used in contexts discussing personal finance among young people. It implies the funds one has for discretionary spending.
I have a lot of pocket money this month; I can buy many new clothes.
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.
Translating to 'pouring clarified butter on the crown', this term refers to receiving enlightenment or sudden realization, often from insightful conversation or knowledge. It implies a profound understanding.
His speech enlightened me, and I understood many things.
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.
Translates to 'to be free and carefree', often used to describe a lifestyle choice to live spontaneously without much planning. It's popular among youth who prioritize experiences over responsibilities.
During the break, I chose to live freely and spent a few days by the sea.
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 'versatile,' this term often describes fashion items or styles that can easily match with various outfits. It emphasizes adaptability and practicality in fashion choices.
These pants are really versatile; they can match with anything.
Meaning 'to sprout,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe new ideas, relationships, or interests coming to life. It reflects the beginning of growth or passion.
I’ve sprouted new ideas about this project.
This term refers to 'hairy' or 'messy hair,' often describing a casual, carefree look. It can be endearing or used humorously when someone appears relaxed and unbothered.
Today, I just want to have a messy hairstyle, a bit casual.
Translating to 'buffet life', this term conveys the idea of living life freely and enjoying various experiences, similar to choosing from a buffet. It emphasizes making personal choices and embracing different paths.
She really lives a buffet life, trying all sorts of new things.
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.
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.
Translating to 'toilet revolution', this term refers to the significant improvements in public restroom facilities across China in recent years. It symbolizes the broader focus on public hygiene and infrastructure.
The government has invested a lot in the toilet revolution in urban areas.
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.
This phrase means 'to find happiness in one's place', conveying a sense of contentment and fulfillment in one's current situation. It reflects a positive attitude towards life.
As long as I find happiness in my place, I’ll be satisfied.
This term translates to 'simply' or 'straightforwardly' and is used to advocate for decisiveness in action or speech. It indicates a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.
Let’s just do it this way; there's no need to think further.
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.
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.
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.
Translating to 'suffer losses,' this term refers to situations where one feels taken advantage of or slightly worse off due to circumstances. It's often used casually to describe everyday disappointments.
I forgot to bring money when I went out; that really is a loss for me.
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.
Meaning 'time management', this term refers to the ability to prioritize tasks and manage one's time effectively. It’s valued in academic and professional settings as essential for productivity.
Good time management can help you improve efficiency.
Translating to 'live with a smile', this term encourages maintaining a positive attitude despite life’s challenges. It embodies resilience and a cheerful disposition.
No matter how busy I am, I want to live with a smile.
Literally 'chasing dramas', this term refers to binge-watching TV shows or series. It's commonly used among fans to describe the act of rapidly consuming episodes of their favorite dramas, reflecting the popularity of...
I plan to binge-watch my favorite shows this weekend.
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.
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.
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