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.
Meaning 'short video traffic generation', this term is used in marketing contexts to refer to strategies that attract an audience using short video formats. It highlights the trend of using quick, engaging content to ...
We need to use short videos to attract traffic for product promotion.
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.
Literally meaning 'see you next year,' this phrase is often used humorously to signify the end of an event or situation, implying that the speaker is done with it and won’t engage until next time. It’s often used in s...
This gathering is too boring; see you next year.
Translating to 'having connotation,' this term is used to describe something or someone that is deep, meaningful, or intellectually rich. It is often used in discussions about literature, art, or personality.
This work is very meaningful and deserves to be appreciated repeatedly.
Translating to 'do as one pleases', this term expresses a carefree attitude toward life, often used to describe someone living freely without regard for social norms or pressures.
I just want to do as I please and not be constrained.
Give me a break / oh come on — a Beijing dismissal used when you find something ridiculous or unbelievable. The classic Beijing way to shut down nonsense or call someone out for exaggerating without being outright rude.
You say you can lose twenty kilos in a month? Give me a break, stop joking.
Translating to 'dormitory economy', this term refers to a trend where students or young adults monetize their living spaces, often by creating content or running small businesses from their dorms. It reflects the entr...
Many people are now engaging in dormitory economies, using their spaces to make money.
Translating to 'irritable' or 'hasty', this term is used to describe someone who is easily angered or quick-tempered. It often conveys a sense of frustration or impatience.
He’s really irritable; he gets angry at the slightest inconvenience.
This term comes from a popular meme character, Thomas the Tank Engine, and is used humorously to refer to someone who is naive or easily misled. It signifies innocence or lack of awareness.
He is really like a Thomas, too naive about the world.
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.
Meaning 'lively' or 'agile', this term is used to describe someone or something that is dynamic, energetic, or charmingly animated. It’s often used in performance or artistic contexts to celebrate expression.
This dance performance is really lively and captivates the audience.
This phrase translates to 'moving clouds and flowing water,' used to describe something that is smooth and natural, often in reference to performance, art, or writing. It suggests a graceful and effortless quality.
His speech was like moving clouds and flowing water, captivating the audience.
Literally 'liver emperor,' this term is used to describe someone who plays video games obsessively or spends a lot of time grinding levels. It highlights the dedication and often unhealthy devotion gamers have to cert...
He spends all day grinding in this game and has no time to eat.
Literally 'seriously doubt,' this phrase is often used humorously to express skepticism about something that seems too good to be true. It indicates doubts about authenticity.
I seriously doubt his promise this time.
Meaning 'fervor' or 'enthusiasm,' this term is often used to describe extreme excitement or passion for a trend, topic, or fandom. It can have both positive and negative connotations.
The fervor for this movie shocked me.
Burst / Sudden overwhelming hit — a concentrated crisis that strikes all at once
Lost my job and then got hit with a medical bill — a double burst of damage.
Shaolin Soccer — Stephen Chow's 2001 breakthrough film combining martial arts and football. Used as a reference for any situation where someone applies completely inappropriate skills to solve a problem, or achieves s...
He used Excel data in his presentation to demolish the competitor's plan — pure Shaolin Soccer energy.
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 'biological mother', this term is often used to refer to someone who is exceedingly caring or doting, similar to how one’s own mother would be. It can also be used in a slightly sarcastic tone.
He treats me so well; it’s just like my own mother.
Means 'to escape.' Often used in a humorous context to describe leaving situations, particularly stressful ones like work or bad dates.
I want to escape this party.
Meaning 'to run alongside', it describes someone who supports another person in their pursuits, especially in competitions or goals, often implying a role of encouragement rather than competition.
I've been supporting my friend, helping her pursue her dreams.
Down to earth, grounded in real life — describes content, language, or a person that feels authentic and relatable to ordinary people rather than polished or out of touch. The defining quality of 张雪机车's appeal: she ta...
She speaks in such a grounded way — watching her videos feels like chatting with a neighbor.
Translating to 'short but powerful,' this term describes something concise yet impactful, often used for comments or content that delivers strong messages in few words.
His speech was short but powerful, leaving a deep impression.
Meaning 'the future is promising,' this term expresses hope and positivity about what lies ahead. It’s commonly used to encourage others or to express optimism.
Although there are difficulties now, I believe the future is promising.
Literally translates to 'water things,' it describes spreading rumors or gossip that lacks substance. It’s often used to call out baseless claims.
The rumors you've heard are completely unreliable.
Pretty girl / babe / sis — MM can stand for 美眉 (měi méi, beautiful eyebrows / pretty girl) or 妹妹 (mèi mèi, little sister). Used to address or describe an attractive young woman, or affectionately among young women to ...
This girl's photos are gorgeous!
The 996 work schedule — working from 9am to 9pm, 6 days a week. The symbol of overwork culture and labor exploitation in China's tech industry. Sparked massive national debate about workers' rights.
The 996 schedule is completely normal at this company — there's no life outside work.
This term means 'warm' or 'buzzing with excitement,' often used to describe something that is fresh, trending, or lively, particularly in social or culinary contexts.
The dishes at this new restaurant are really buzzing with excitement; they taste great.
Smiling proudly through the jianghu — the title of Jin Yong's beloved novel about a wandering swordsman who refuses to be bound by any faction or ambition. Online, used to describe a carefree, unbothered attitude towa...
After quitting, I can finally smile proudly through the jianghu — no more rat race for me.
This term literally means 'heart blockage' and is used to express feelings of emotional distress or disappointment, often in a light-hearted manner. It indicates being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
Seeing that news really upset me; it was too hard to handle.
Translates to 'lottery' or 'drawing lots,' this term is used in online contexts where people join contests or giveaways. It reflects the excitement and chance of winning something.
Participate in this event for a chance to win a lottery; come and give it a try!
Translating to 'old eight forms,' this phrase denotes a set of eight typical behaviors or patterns that are often predictable or cliché. It is used to mock or criticize those who adhere to these patterns.
He’s at it again; it’s the same old predictable behavior.
Meaning 'begin operations,' often used humorously to signify someone starting to sell or promote something, usually with an exaggerated tone of excitement.
I finally started operations; everyone is welcome to buy my handmade crafts!
This term means 'cheating' and is commonly used to describe dishonest behavior, especially in academic or competitive contexts. It can also be used humorously in non-serious situations.
Today's exam was really difficult; it was tough to pass without cheating.
Yeah, that's right / uh-huh — a distinctly Beijing affirmative sound used to agree, confirm, or acknowledge. More casual and warm than a standard 对 (correct). Unmistakably northern Chinese and a strong marker of genui...
You said we are meeting tomorrow? Uh-huh, I will message you then.
While literally meaning 'to fight,' this term is often used in online contexts to describe heated arguments, particularly in comment sections or forums.
There's another fight happening in that discussion forum.
Translating to 'iron powder,' this term is used to describe extremely dedicated fans or enthusiasts of a specific celebrity, brand, or product. It signifies a strong loyalty to their interests.
He is a die-hard fan of a certain idol and keeps up with their updates every day.
Meaning 'to go in circles', this term describes a situation where someone is confused or unable to make progress. It often gently mocks a lack of direction in a humorous way.
I’m totally going in circles on this question; I can’t figure it out at all.
Short for 'double standards', this term describes the hypocrisy of being lenient or harsh toward different people or situations based on biased views. It's often used in social justice discussions.
His double standards in this matter are very annoying.
Literally meaning 'pufferfish,' this term is often used to describe something that is dangerous yet appealing, much like the dish made from pufferfish which can be toxic if not prepared correctly.
This adventure is like a pufferfish, both thrilling and dangerous.
Forever God / GOAT - An abbreviation of '永远的神' meaning 'eternal god'. Used to express extreme admiration, like saying something is the best ever.
This bubble tea shop is the GOAT! There's always a line.
Son of a b*tch / Bastard (turtle egg insult)
That son of a b*tch actually lied to me again!
Literally 'little knife,' this term refers to someone who makes sharp, biting comments but is often seen as humorous or endearing. It's like calling someone a 'sassy friend.'
He always has a sharp tongue; it's really both amusing and frustrating.
So broke you can hear the coins clinking — a vivid, humorous Beijing expression for extreme poverty. The image is your last few coins rattling around in an otherwise empty wallet. Used to describe being flat broke wit...
The week before payday I am so broke I can hear coins clinking — only eating steamed buns at home.
Translating to 'melon crowd', this term refers to people who are interested in gossip or drama but are not directly involved, akin to spectators.
This debate attracted a lot of melon crowd.
Literally means 'to play King of Glory,' a popular mobile game in China. This slang term is used to describe someone who is addicted to gaming, often to the point of neglecting responsibilities.
He plays King of Glory every day and doesn't even do his homework.
Pulling grass - Finally buying something you wanted.
Finally bought this bag I wanted.
Literally 'lower the temperature', this term is often used to indicate cooling down a heated situation or emotions. It can refer to relationships or conflicts that need to be calmed.
Their argument is too intense; it needs to cool down a bit.
Literally translated as 'moving bricks,' this slang term refers to doing hard work or labor-intensive tasks, often used to describe tedious jobs.
I’m moving bricks every day; it's really tiring.
Translating to 'top trending topics across the internet,' this term is used to describe something that has gained widespread attention online. It often refers to news or events that capture the collective interest.
This topic has recently become a top trending search across the internet.
Page 12 of 78 — 3,856 total terms