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
Meaning 'bottom-level common people', this term often describes ordinary citizens facing socioeconomic challenges. It reflects a sense of struggle and resilience among the working class.
As bottom-level common people, we face significant pressure in our lives.
Literally rivers and lakes — the shadowy world of martial artists, outlaws, and wanderers in wuxia fiction. Online, used metaphorically for any competitive social world with unspoken rules: the office, the internet, t...
This company is a real jianghu — people's hearts are hard to read.
Literally means 'to walk in an overbearing manner'. It describes someone who acts arrogantly or without regard for others. It's often used in contexts involving authority or power dynamics.
He always acts arrogantly in the company, which is quite off-putting.
Translating to 'see through', it is used when someone can understand the underlying truth of a situation or person, often implying a sense of wisdom.
She saw through his lies.
Translating to 'place an order', this term is commonly used in e-commerce and online shopping contexts. It signifies making a purchase decision and is a routine part of online shopping culture.
I just placed an order for a new phone.
Meaning 'to rhyme', this term is often used in creative contexts relating to poetry, rap lyrics, or catchy phrases in music. It highlights the artistic expression in language.
His lyrics always rhyme and sound very pleasant.
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.
Literally 'chips girl', this term describes a girl who is casual and carefree, often eating snacks like potato chips. It is used in social media to depict a fun, laid-back attitude, often in a humorous way.
She is just a chips girl, always enjoying life under the sun.
Translating to 'just want to quietly be myself,' this phrase reflects a desire for peace and solitude, often used when feeling overwhelmed by external pressures. It's a declaration of self-care.
I just want to quietly be myself and don't want to deal with all this socializing.
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.
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.
The Sunflower Manual — the legendary forbidden martial arts scripture in Jin Yong's The Smiling Proud Wanderer, which requires self-castration to master. Online, it is the ultimate metaphor for a powerful skill with a...
His PowerPoint skills are like the Sunflower Manual — truly unbeatable if you master it, but way too hard.
Literally 'fairy', this term praises women who are perceived as beautiful, elegant, and ethereal. It is often used in social media to compliment someone’s appearance in a whimsical way.
She looks like a fairy, attracting attention wherever she goes.
Means 'believe in eating rice', used humorously to denote someone whose primary focus in life is on eating well and enjoying food. It reflects the importance of food culture in modern life.
My belief is in eating; I must eat well every day.
Translates to 'Ode to Joy.' It is used to describe a situation that brings joy and merriment, often in a festive context. The term captures the essence of celebration and happiness.
This gathering is truly an ode to joy!
This term means 'forwarding for a lottery' and refers to a common practice on social media where users share posts to enter a prize draw. It represents the interactive and promotional nature of social media.
There are many forwarding lotteries; I want to try my luck too.
Literally meaning 'invisible rich people', this term is used to describe individuals who appear ordinary but have significant wealth. Often used in discussions about wealth disparity and social status online.
He looks very ordinary; he's truly an invisible rich person.
Meaning 'embrace change', this term encourages adapting to new situations and challenges. It's often used in motivational contexts to inspire resilience and positivity.
In the face of life's challenges, we must learn to embrace change.
Like a flower — an ironic name for a comedically unattractive character in Stephen Chow films. Online, 如花 is used to humorously describe a surprising contrast between someone's name or expectation and their actual app...
His online dating match sent a selfie — a total Ruhua, completely different from the description.
Translating to 'non-human,' this term humorously describes someone or something that is exceptionally talented or impressive beyond ordinary human capabilities. It can also refer to someone being quirky.
His performance is truly beyond human; it’s incredible!
Translating to 'big bowl drink', this term signifies a carefree and indulgent approach to life, especially in the context of celebrating with friends. It embodies a spirit of enjoyment and sociability.
Tonight we’ll drink heartily and return home satisfied.
Meaning 'flirting with girls', this term describes playful romantic interactions, often in a light-hearted or humorous manner. It captures the excitement of dating culture.
He is always flirting with girls, and he has a way with words.
No way out, nothing I can do — a quintessential Beijing expression of helplessness or resignation. Literally means no rut in the road (nowhere for the cart to go). Used when you have exhausted all options and simply h...
The landlord insists on raising the rent — nothing I can do, I will just have to move.
Literally means 'hearts have a mutual understanding', it describes a deep connection or understanding between people, often in romantic or close friendships.
We have a mutual understanding; we can always think alike.
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 phrase means 'really impressive' or 'awesome.' It is often used to compliment someone's skills or achievements, particularly in competitive fields like sports or academics.
Your speech was really impressive; everyone loved it.
Translating to 'followers,' this term refers to people who follow a particular trend, celebrity, or influencer, often in a fanatical way. It emphasizes the nature of digital fandom and the impact of social media.
He has thousands of followers on his social media.
Literally 'melon seeds', this term is commonly used to describe someone who is watching a situation unfold, akin to a spectator. It reflects a casual attitude toward events, as if one is merely enjoying some snacks wh...
I’ll just be a spectator, enjoying the show.
Translating to 'anxiety-prone personality', this term describes individuals who often feel anxious or stressed. It's commonly discussed in contexts of mental health and personal development.
I think I have a bit of an anxiety-prone personality; I’m always worried.
Literally translates to 'drawing circles'. It is often used to indicate a sense of frustration or annoyance, akin to saying 'going in circles' without resolution.
We discussed for half a day, but in the end, it was just going in circles.
Translating to 'twilight love', this term refers to romantic relationships that develop later in life, often characterized by deeper connections and emotional maturity.
At this age, twilight love is the most genuine form of love.
'Store exploration' refers to the act of visiting new or trendy shops, usually for food, fashion, or unique experiences. It is often shared through social media, especially in posts or videos showcasing the exploratio...
Today we went store exploring and found a super delicious restaurant.
The term literally means 'tea egg,' a popular snack in China. However, it is used as a slang expression referring to someone who seems unremarkable or dull. Its humorous connotation often applies to people who lack pe...
He was just a tea egg at the party, with nothing to talk about.
Literally meaning 'pressure mountain big,' it describes feeling overwhelmed or heavily stressed. It's a humorous exaggeration that has become popular among young people.
Work and studying make me feel overwhelmed; I want a holiday.
Meaning 'not entangled', this term reflects a carefree attitude towards choices or dilemmas, suggesting a decision to not overthink situations. It encourages living in the moment.
When facing problems, I choose not to overthink and just go with the flow.
Gary Stu - Male equivalent of Mary Sue.
The male lead is a Gary Stu, can do everything.
Pulling grass - Finally buying something you wanted.
Finally bought this bag I wanted.
'Cold and aloof' describes someone who appears distant or unapproachable, often perceived as mysterious or attractive. It can be used to describe personalities that are hard to read.
She is always cold and aloof, making it hard for people to approach her.
This endearing term literally means 'husband in heaven' and is used humorously to refer to a beloved celebrity or fictional character as if he were a person's true partner. It reflects a playful attachment to idealize...
This actor is so handsome; he is truly my husband in heaven.
Translating to 'heavy reliance,' this term describes a person or situation that heavily depends on something or someone else, especially in a humorous or exaggerated context.
I'm heavily reliant on this software; I can't live without it.
Translating to 'hot mom', this term is used to describe fashionable and attractive mothers who manage to maintain their style and charisma despite the challenges of parenting. It celebrates modern motherhood.
She’s a hot mom; she always looks so young.
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.
Translates to 'wealthy person,' often used in a playful or sarcastic way to describe someone with significant financial resources, particularly in contexts of envy or aspiration.
He’s a wealthy person who spends money like water in various places.
Translating to 'life has nothing to love,' this term expresses a sense of disillusionment or apathy toward life, often humorously exaggerating feelings of despair or hopelessness.
I’ve been feeling a bit disillusioned with life lately.
Literally meaning 'plate', in slang it refers to an individual or group that is the target of criticism or gossip, similar to being 'on a chopping block'. It’s often used in discussions about public figures.
This celebrity has recently become the target of everyone’s criticism; many people are talking about him.
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.
Literally meaning 'red envelope', this term is often used to refer to digital monetary gifts given during festivals or celebrations, especially on platforms like WeChat. It symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
I received many red envelopes for the New Year; I'm happy!
This means 'crying emoji,' commonly used to express exaggerated sadness, humor, or dramatic reactions in conversations. It reflects a playful way to convey emotions online.
When I saw this bad news, I sent a crying emoji.
This idiom means 'to be heartbroken and distressed' and is often used to express strong feelings of regret or sadness about a situation. It reflects emotional depth.
Seeing this news breaks my heart.
Translating to 'Douyin earthy flavor,' this term describes content that feels rustic or unrefined but is popular on short-video platforms like Douyin. It often embraces a certain charm that appeals to audiences.
His videos have a kind of earthy flavor that makes them especially popular.