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
Literally 'shadow friend,' this term refers to someone who follows another person's life closely on social media without actively engaging or being a real-life friend. It's often used to describe silent followers who ...
I have many shadow friends on Weibo; they always silently watch my updates.
Translating to 'cheers', this term is used to toast drinks among friends or during celebrations, symbolizing good wishes and camaraderie. It reflects the culture of bonding over shared experiences.
During the party, everyone raised their glasses to toast, and the atmosphere was lively.
Translating to 'number one fan,' this term is used to describe someone who is an enthusiastic supporter or admirer of a celebrity or trend, often engaging with their content passionately.
I’m his number one fan, following his updates every day.
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 'translator,' this term has been adapted in internet slang to humorously refer to someone who interprets or decodes complex social media posts or memes. It reflects the need for clarity in a world full of mixe...
This post is too hard to understand; could I get a translator to help out?
Meaning 'poor dad', this slang often refers humorously to someone who is financially challenged, especially in contrast to the more aspirational 'rich dad' image. It reflects the difficulties of modern life and the pr...
I always feel like a poor dad, having to calculate my expenses every time.
Translating to 'combat power', this slang refers to someone's ability to handle challenges, often used in a humorous or exaggerated sense, particularly in gaming or competitive scenarios.
This player's combat power is so strong that I can’t keep up.
This term literally means 'to drive', but in internet slang, it refers to sharing or discussing implicitly adult or risqué content. It is often used with humor, indicating someone is about to 'drive' into a more matur...
Tonight's livestream is a bit risqué, are you ready?
This term literally means 'annoying' and describes actions or people that provoke irritation or anger. It can be used playfully among friends or seriously to express frustration.
He's so annoying; he has to argue every time.
Altcoin / Knockoff coin - Any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.
Altcoins are very risky, be careful of going to zero.
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.
Translating to 'battle chicken', it refers to a highly motivated or resilient person, particularly in competitive contexts. It emphasizes fighting spirit.
In this industry, you need to be a battle chicken to succeed.
Translating to 'urban disease,' this term refers to the various issues faced by people living in cities, such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. It captures the negatives of urban living amid the fast-paced lifestyle.
As urban issues worsen, people increasingly yearn for a pastoral life.
This term translates to 'pulling a cross,' referring to when something or someone fails to meet expectations, often used in the context of disappointment in teams or groups in competitive scenarios.
This team's performance was really disappointing.
Translating to 'cut off contact', this term describes the act of intentionally severing communication with someone, often used in the context of relationships or friendships. It embodies the choice to disengage from s...
I have cut off contact with him and no longer stay in touch.
Literally 'a versatile celebrity', this term describes someone who can adapt to various roles or situations with ease. It’s often used in entertainment to praise multifaceted talents.
This celebrity is truly versatile, able to handle any type of role.
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.
Translating to 'tyrant meal,' this term refers to eating at a restaurant without paying for the meal, often humorously used to describe someone getting a free meal.
They really enjoy themselves, managing to get a free meal.
Translating simply to 'hahaha', this term expresses hearty laughter and is often used in digital communication to convey amusement or joy. It's a staple in chat conversations.
Upon seeing this joke, I burst out laughing.
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 'play out', it describes a situation where a game or playful act goes wrong, often leading to unexpected or humorous consequences. It's used in the context of fun gone awry.
He 'played out' at the party, and it was so funny that I cried.
Translating to 'nine段', this term is used in games to indicate a very high skill level, based on the traditional ranking in Go.
His gaming skills have reached nine段; he’s truly a master.
This phrase means 'do it again,' often used when someone wants to hear or see something a second time, whether in a serious or humorous context. It can show enthusiasm or desire for repetition.
That joke was really funny; can you tell it again?
Literally meaning 'hotpot fierce', this slang term is often used to describe someone's enthusiasm for hotpot, a popular dining experience in China. It can also imply a general zest for life or passion for food.
She's really into hotpot; she eats it at least once a week.
Empathy — the ability to share and understand another's feelings. Used in discussions of viral emotional content to describe why something spread: 雪山救狐狸 triggered mass 共情 in viewers who felt what the fox or the rescue...
The reason this video went viral is because everyone felt a strong empathy with the fox.
Translating to 'surfing online', this term describes the act of browsing the internet, often aimlessly or for entertainment, similar to the English phrase 'surfing the web'.
Today, I was surfing online and found a lot of interesting content.
Meaning 'brushing followers,' this term is slang for gaining followers artificially through means like buying followers or using aggressive marketing tactics. It implies a lack of authenticity.
This account increases its influence by brushing followers.
Translating to 'glittering gold,' this term describes something shiny or showy. It is often used to describe ostentatious behavior or appearances.
The glittering gold outfit she wore today was so eye-catching.
Literally meaning 'to touch everywhere,' this term conveys the idea of experiencing or trying out a wide range of things, often in the context of food or travel. It reflects a curious and adventurous spirit.
I want to try all the delicious food in this city.
Translating to 'past star,' this term refers to celebrities who were once popular but are now forgotten or no longer in the spotlight. It is often used in gossiping about the entertainment industry.
His movie is considered a work of a has-been star, but it’s actually not bad.
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.
Translating to 'steady happiness', this phrase captures the essence of a stable, reliable, and lasting relationship or contentment in life. It emphasizes the value of enduring love or satisfaction.
I want to share a steady happiness with him.
Referring to 'cloud broadcasting', this term denotes streaming content over the internet, especially during events like concerts or live shows. It captures the growing trend of online participation in real-time events.
I streamed a concert at home last night.
Meaning 'no bottom line,' this term is often used to describe someone who lacks moral limits or behaves recklessly, especially in online interactions. It can indicate that someone's lifestyle or behavior is excessivel...
This behavior is really without any limits.
Translating to 'turning back prodigal son,' this term is used to describe someone who has changed for the better, often after a period of recklessness. It can be used in personal growth discussions.
He was very rebellious before; now he has turned into a better person.
Translating to 'under the spotlight,' this phrase describes being in a position where one is the center of attention, often used to refer to celebrities or public figures.
Under the spotlight, he always appears perfect.
This phrase means 'return to reality' and is used to describe the need to stop daydreaming or being overly optimistic, often after a situation leads to disappointment. It implies a reminder to be pragmatic.
You can’t always fantasize about success; you need to return to reality.
This phrase means 'so-so' or 'mediocre,' used to describe something that is not bad but also not great. It conveys a sense of indifference towards quality.
This movie is so-so; there's nothing special about it.
Translating to 'reverse dating', this term humorously describes a dating approach where instead of pursuing a partner, individuals wait for others to approach them. It emphasizes a laid-back approach to romantic inter...
I choose reverse dating, hoping to meet someone sincere.
This term means 'mate selection criteria' and is used to describe the standards or preferences people have when looking for romantic partners. It often reflects cultural values surrounding relationships.
Many young people place great importance on their mate selection criteria, especially during blind dates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This term literally means 'black talk' and refers to coded language or jargon used within specific communities, often used to convey insider information.
Do you understand this insider jargon? I'm still a bit confused.
Translating to 'saving money', this term refers to the act of accumulating funds with a specific goal in mind. It emphasizes the desire for financial security or luxury items.
I have been saving money to buy a new phone recently.
Meaning 'to eat dust,' this term is used to describe items that are unused or neglected, especially gadgets or hobbies that someone has lost interest in. It indicates a waste of potential or resources.
My new gaming console is now gathering dust.
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.
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.