This is the complete browsable index of our Chinese Slang Dictionary — 3800+ verified internet slang terms used on platforms like Weibo, Bilibili, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. Every entry includes the Chinese characters (汉字), pinyin with tone marks, an English translation, at least one example sentence in authentic Chinese, and a cultural note explaining where the term comes from and how it is really used. Terms are ranked by community votes, so the most useful and widely used terms appear first. New slang is added daily from trending Chinese social media. Looking for a specific term? Use the search bar at the top of the page.
Chinese Slang Terms, Sorted by Popularity
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.
Means 'not happy', often used to express dissatisfaction or disappointment in a light-hearted way, especially in online discussions.
I’m not happy today because I didn’t do well on the exam.
Translating to 'ordinary person,' this term describes someone who is not a celebrity or public figure, often used in discussions about relatability and authenticity.
The stories shared by these ordinary people are very real and touching.
Literally 'being serious,' this phrase is often used to describe someone who is being overly serious about a joke or a trivial matter, often in a humorous context. It implies that the person's demeanor is unnecessaril...
The joke he told was funny, but he delivered it with a completely serious face.
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.
Literally means 'guiding light.' It refers to someone or something that provides guidance in difficult situations, often used metaphorically for mentors or significant life influences.
He has always been my guiding light.
This phrase humorously means 'fire tongs Liu Ming' but is a play on words for '火前留名' (leave your name before the fire). It's used when someone wants to leave a lasting impression or create a memorable moment.
I must make a memorable impact in this competition!
The term 'salty fish life' describes a laid-back attitude towards life, where one opts for a low-pressure existence, often in contrast to overly ambitious lifestyles. It reflects a sense of contentment with mediocrity...
Recently, I decided to live a salty fish life and not work so hard anymore.
This phrase, literally meaning 'simply put,' is used to express exasperation or disbelief about a situation. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or astonished.
This workload is simply overwhelming; it's impossible to finish!
This term means 'to walk with heart,' referring to actions or words that are sincere and heartfelt. It's often used to describe genuine expressions in conversations.
This song is truly heartfelt; it moves me.
Literally means 'purple sweet potato balls,' but is used colloquially to describe someone who is plump or chubby in a cute, endearing way. It's often used among friends to tease each other affectionately.
You are such a purple sweet potato ball; so cute!
Meaning 'fragile' or 'weak', this term is often used to describe someone who is emotionally sensitive. It has gained traction in discussions around mental health and vulnerability.
In this high-pressure society, many people feel fragile.
Translating to 'small portion', this term is often used online to refer to people who take things lightly or don’t want to commit fully in situations, especially in relationships.
Are you taking this relationship lightly?
This term means 'sharing economy', referring to business models that promote sharing and renting over ownership. It highlights a cultural shift towards collaborative consumption.
Many young people are participating in the sharing economy by using shared bikes.
Translating to 'rich or poor,' this phrase is used to refer to the dichotomy of wealth in society. It highlights the stark differences between those who have money and those who struggle financially.
Whether you are rich or poor, life must go on.
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 'close friend' and denotes someone with whom one shares a deep bond and personal secrets. It emphasizes the importance of trust and intimacy in friendships.
She is my closest friend, and we talk about everything.
Translating to 'show-off maniac', this term describes someone who constantly boasts about their possessions or accomplishments on social media. It characterizes a specific behavior that many people find off-putting.
He is such a show-off maniac, posting photos of his luxury car every day.
Translating to 'various styles of marketing', this term refers to innovative and creative marketing techniques that engage audiences in entertaining ways. It reflects the need for originality in a crowded market.
There are more and more brands using various styles of marketing now; it’s really interesting.
Translating to 'turning the tide against the wind', this term describes a situation where someone manages to succeed despite facing significant challenges or opposition, offering an inspiring message of resilience.
After hard work, he finally turned the tide and won the competition.
This phrase means 'emotionally collapsed,' often used when someone feels overwhelmed or burdened by stress or negative feelings. It expresses a state of emotional exhaustion.
I'm so tired from work today; I feel emotionally collapsed.
Nonsense comedy — the absurdist, anarchic humor style that Stephen Chow (周星驰) invented and made famous in Hong Kong cinema. It combines rapid-fire wordplay, surreal logic jumps, and deadpan delivery of completely irra...
His answer was complete nonsense, but I could not stop laughing.
Means 'must-buy list,' often used in the context of shopping, especially for beauty and lifestyle products. It's a trending term in consumer culture.
This brand's skincare products are recommended as a must-buy list on Xiaohongshu.
This cute term refers to someone who is a 'drifter' or goes with the flow, often in a carefree manner. It’s typically used to describe young people who are relaxed and spontaneous in their approach to life.
He’s always so carefree; I really admire that!
Translating to 'algorithm recommendation,' this term is often used to discuss how social media platforms curate content for users based on their interactions. It reflects both fascination and frustration with digital ...
I really don't know why the algorithm recommendations always give me weird videos.
This term means 'not understanding' and is often used humorously to express confusion or bewilderment in discussions, particularly when faced with complex or contradictory opinions.
Your logic really confuses me.
Translating to 'fog of the human world,' this philosophical term refers to confusion or lack of clarity in emotional or social situations. It expresses the complexity of human relationships.
In love, we often easily fall into the fog of the human world.
Translating to 'stone hammer,' this term is used to indicate that something is definitely confirmed or true. It is often used when referring to verified facts or reliable sources.
I have solid proof for this matter; stop doubting.
Literally 'mouse,' this term is used to describe someone who is constantly lurking online, often reading posts without participating. It can have a slightly negative connotation.
I’m a lurker on the forum, always quietly observing.
This phrase literally means 'grandma's' but is used as an exclamation of frustration or annoyance. It functions similarly to an expletive in English, embodying a sense of disbelief or irritation.
Damn it, why is this game so hard!
This term means 'to lay out the cards' and refers to revealing one's true intentions or feelings, often used in discussions of relationships or business deals. It's about being honest and straightforward.
We finally laid our cards on the table, and we both know each other's true feelings.
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.
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 'not in agreement with a single word', this phrase is used to describe conflicts that arise unexpectedly or without sufficient reason. It suggests a sudden fallout, often used humorously or dramatically.
We had a sudden disagreement, and it turned quite unpleasant.
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.
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.
Meaning 'dancer', this term has gained popularity on platforms like Douyin to describe users who post dance videos. It's often used endearingly to refer to both amateur and professional dancers.
Every time she dances, I feel like she's a dancer.
Literally 'silly roe deer,' this humorous term refers to someone who is naive or innocent, often used affectionately. It describes someone who is straightforward or lacks worldly wisdom.
He’s such a naive person; he doesn’t understand anything.
Translates to 'unboxing,' this term describes the trend of opening products in front of an audience, often seen in videos. It reflects consumer culture and the excitement surrounding new products.
I will be live-streaming an unboxing today, showcasing my newly bought tech products.
Meaning 'farewell,' this term is used to express goodbyes in various contexts, including relationships, friendships, or life changes. It’s often imbued with emotional weight.
At graduation, everyone was feeling the weight of farewell.
Meaning 'old aunt', this slang is often used in a playful manner to refer to women who are seen as giving unsolicited advice or who embody a certain traditional view. It can also be a tongue-in-cheek comment about old...
You've become an old aunt again, stop worrying about others!
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.
This term means 'forcibly' or 'coercively,' used to describe situations where someone pushes something against the will of others. It can carry a humorous connotation when used in social contexts.
He forcibly made everyone attend the gathering; it was really unavoidable.
This term means 'buyer show' and refers to the photos or reviews that customers post after purchasing a product, often showcasing their satisfaction or disappointment. It's a popular way to share experiences in online...
I've seen many buyer reviews, and it seems like this product is good.
This term means 'to urgently help someone in need,' often used in contexts where someone seeks immediate assistance or intervention from friends or the community. It conveys a sense of camaraderie and support.
I'm stuck on the road today; I urgently need help!
Translating to 'leave it to the future us', this term emphasizes procrastinating important decisions or actions for future consideration, often humorously.
Today’s work is left for future us to do.
This phrase means 'brain hole opened,' and is used to describe a moment of creativity or a wild idea. It’s often used in artistic or imaginative discussions.
This idea really opened up my mind.
The term mimics the sound of something rolling or tumbling, often used to represent procrastination or an idle lifestyle. It can also describe a situation where things don't go as planned, adding a playful tone.
I rolled around all afternoon and didn't get anything done.
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.
Fat otaku - Self-deprecating term for lazy homebody.
I am just a happy fat otaku.