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 term means 'to snore,' but is often used humorously online to describe someone who is not paying attention or is uninformed about a topic. It embodies a sense of detachment or ignorance.
I was telling a joke, and he was actually snoring.
To be honest / let's call it what it is — signals you are about to say something direct, unfiltered, and true, even if it is not what people want to hear. Essentially a verbal warning: what follows is the unvarnished ...
To be honest, this plan really does not work — we need to rethink it.
This term refers to 'emoji memes', which are memes that use emojis to convey humor or express feelings. It highlights how emojis have become integral in modern communication.
I like to use emoji memes to express my feelings.
This phrase means 'everything is hard at the beginning,' emphasizing that starting any new endeavor can be challenging. It encourages perseverance and resilience.
Starting this project will definitely have difficulties; everything is hard at the beginning.
This phrase translates to 'spending money like water,' used to describe someone who spends money extravagantly or carelessly. It serves as a critique of financial irresponsibility.
He spends money like water and doesn't care at all.
This phrase translates to 'delicately poor' and describes people who live an aesthetically pleasing lifestyle or maintain an expensive appearance despite financial struggles. It highlights the contrast between appeara...
Although she’s not financially well-off, she still lives a delicately poor life.
Translating to 'herbivore', this term humorously refers to people who are gentle, non-confrontational, or pacifistic, often used in contrast to more aggressive or competitive individuals. It's a playful way to describ...
His temperament is gentle; he is always an herbivore.
This term means 'to mix with society', referring to the experience of navigating social interactions and establishing one's place in social contexts. It often implies effort and adaptability.
In the workplace, mixing with society is an important skill.
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.
This term translates to 'table-sharing' and is used in dining contexts where people share tables in crowded settings. It conveys a sense of community and togetherness.
We shared a table at this restaurant and met new friends.
This term means 'dark horse' and is used to describe someone or something that unexpectedly achieves success, especially in competitive environments. It emphasizes the surprise aspect of their victory.
This movie unexpectedly became a dark horse, surpassing box office expectations.
Meaning 'naked and exposed,' this term is often used to describe something that is brutally honest or direct, without any sugar-coating.
His comments were so brutally honest that I felt embarrassed.
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.
Refers to a significant historical incident in Chinese history, but in internet slang, it has come to symbolize unexpected twists or turns in events, often used humorously.
The result of this match was really an unexpected twist!
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.
Literally meaning 'medicine water', this term is used humorously to refer to overly sweet or exaggerated content that is designed to appeal emotionally, often seen in films and advertisements.
The plot of the movie was really exaggerated; it felt like medicine water.
This term refers to 'mukbang', a trend involving hosts eating large quantities of food while interacting with an audience, popular on live streaming platforms.
I love watching mukbangs; I find it interesting to see others eat.
Translating to 'storm,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe chaotic or intense situations, especially in online discourse. It conveys a sense of overwhelming emotions or events.
This match was truly a storm; it was so tense it nearly made my heart jump out.
Translating to 'study god', this term is used to praise someone who excels in their studies or has a talent for academics. It reflects admiration for diligence and intelligence.
She is truly a study god, scoring full marks in every exam.
Meaning 'hot push', it refers to trending topics or content that gain sudden popularity, particularly on social media.
After this song became a hot push, everyone started discussing it.
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.
Meaning 'to push away,' this term is often used to express the act of avoiding social obligations or commitments, such as declining invitations. It reflects a growing trend of prioritizing personal space and mental he...
I've been wanting to push away all social activities recently.
Translating to 'the strongest on the entire internet', this term is often used humorously or boastfully to refer to someone or something that stands out significantly, often in a sarcastic tone.
He claims to be the strongest player on the entire internet, but he's actually just a newbie.
Translating to 'capture,' this term is often used in photography or media to describe the act of seizing a moment, particularly in creative contexts.
I want to capture this beautiful moment.
Translates to 'never give up,' this term is often used to inspire perseverance in various challenges, especially in the context of competitions, work, or personal development.
No matter what difficulties we face, we will never give up!
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.
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.
Translating to 'napping', this term is used informally to describe a short sleep or dozing off, often in less formal settings like during work or while watching TV. It reflects a casual attitude towards rest.
I often take naps during work hours.
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.
Meaning 'asking for collections', this term is commonly used by content creators to encourage viewers to bookmark or save their work. It reflects the desire for social media engagement and preservation.
If you like this article, please bookmark it!
Literally meaning 'daughter's rice,' this term refers to fans who are particularly devoted to female idols in the entertainment industry. It reflects the culture around fandom and idol worship.
She is a devoted fan of female idols, following their updates every day.
Meaning 'ultimately' or 'in the end,' this term is often used to emphasize a point or to express frustration. It can be found in both serious and casual conversations.
What do you ultimately mean?
Translating to 'little heart,' this term is often used to express affection or fondness, usually in a cute and playful manner, particularly on social media.
You're so cute; I want to give you my little heart!
Literally meaning 'background king', this slang is used to describe someone who tends to flaunt their connections or background. It usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting that they rely too much on their n...
He's just a background king, relying on others for everything.
Martial arts skill that surpasses the entire world — hyperbolic praise for supreme ability in wuxia. Online, used as over-the-top flattery for anyone who demonstrates exceptional skill, even in trivial matters.
Your cooking skill surpasses the whole world — I would gladly eat here every day!
Meaning 'minimalist,' this term is used to describe a lifestyle or design that embraces simplicity and functionality. It's often associated with aesthetics in contemporary design and lifestyle choices.
I like minimalist home decor; it's simple and elegant.
Translating to 'broaden one’s horizons', this phrase is often used in educational or inspirational contexts, encouraging openness to new experiences and ideas.
Traveling can broaden one’s horizons and increase knowledge.
Translating to 'cloud chatting,' it refers to engaging in conversations that are informal and light-hearted, often online.
Let’s have a cloud chat tonight and talk about some recent fun stories.
This term refers to the 'programming life' or lifestyle of programmers, often implying a humorous or exaggerated take on the challenges and quirks associated with coding and tech work.
As a programmer, my programming life is really tough.
Translating to 'theoretical faction,' this term is used to describe people who focus on ideas rather than practical application. It can imply a sense of pretentiousness or a disconnect from reality.
He’s always theoretical and doesn’t understand practical situations.
Meaning 'change the way of living', this phrase encourages individuals to rethink their life choices and pursue different paths. It's often used in self-help contexts.
I decided to change my way of living and pursue my dreams.
Translating to 'to use cheats,' this term refers to using hacks or cheats in video games. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone receiving unfair advantages in life.
He's using cheats in the game; it's so unfair.
Translating to 'helpless smile', this term describes a smile that conveys resignation or acceptance of a frustrating situation. It's often used humorously to signify surrendering to life’s absurdities.
Faced with the boss's demands, I could only smile helplessly.
Translating to 'frequently disconnecting,' this phrase is often used to describe unreliable internet connections or distractions in discussions. It humorously reflects frustration with technology.
I've been frequently disconnecting today; I'm so frustrated.
Meaning 'to suffer from a cruel hand,' this phrase is used humorously to describe situations where someone suffers a humorous or unfortunate fate at the hands of someone else. It often appears in a playful context.
At my friend's party, I suffered a cruel fate and was dragged to dance.
Means 'mindless' or 'foolish,' this term is often used humorously to describe someone who has done something stupid or hasn't thought things through.
How could you be so mindless as to believe those internet rumors?
Translating to 'at most', this phrase indicates that the worst outcome is not as serious as it seems. It provides a sense of reassurance and encourages taking risks.
If I fail, at most I can try again.
Literally 'aunt's grave', used to refer to someone who is overly emotional or dramatic, similar to saying someone is being 'extra'.
She always cries like she's at an aunt's grave.
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.
This phrase means 'really a genius' and is often used sarcastically to point out someone's foolishness or a silly mistake. It implies that the person has acted in a way that contradicts common sense.
He forgot to bring his keys; what a genius.