路人 (lù rén)
Passerby - Someone neutral, neither fan nor hater.
I am just a passerby for this celebrity.
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.
Passerby - Someone neutral, neither fan nor hater.
I am just a passerby for this celebrity.
Translating to 'steady as an old dog', this term describes someone who remains calm and composed during challenges or difficult situations. It’s often used humorously to emphasize reliability.
During the competition, his performance was steady as an old dog, showing no nervousness.
Literally meaning 'to fly a plane,' this term is used informally to describe someone who travels quickly or impulsively, particularly for leisure or adventure.
This weekend, my friends and I impulsively flew to the beach.
This slang term means 'to pick up girls' and is often used in discussions about dating strategies. It conveys a casual, sometimes playful approach to flirting or dating.
His skills in picking up girls at the bar are impressive.
This term describes a subculture known for its distinctive, flamboyant fashion and hairstyle, often associated with youth rebellion or nonconformity. It embodies a unique aesthetic that stands out.
His style is so unique; it attracts a lot of attention.
Literally 'big face cat', this term refers to cats with round faces, often implying cuteness or clumsiness. It’s commonly used by pet owners and animal lovers.
This big face cat is so cute; I've always wanted to have one.
Literally 'small surprise', this term is used to describe delightful, unexpected moments or gifts that bring happiness. It's often used in romantic or friendly gestures.
I have prepared a little surprise for you; I hope you like it.
Translating to 'happy life', this term emphasizes the pursuit of happiness and well-being in daily living. It encourages individuals to focus on positivity.
We should pursue a happy life and enjoy every day.
Guys, who gets it?! / Family, can anyone relate?
Guys, can anyone relate?! My boss actually praised me today!
Translating to 'small but certain happiness,' this term describes the little joys and pleasures in life that bring happiness. It emphasizes appreciating the small things that may seem inconsequential but influence ove...
Having a cup of coffee every day is my small but certain happiness.
Translating to 'emptying the shopping cart,' it refers to the act of going through online shopping and removing items from the cart, often used humorously to address impulse buying or financial responsibility.
To save money, I decided to empty my shopping cart.
Besties / Sisters - A cute way to address female friends online, derived from a mispronunciation of 'jiěmèi' (sisters). Often used sarcastically.
Sisters, does this dress look good?
I will take care of you — a deeply romantic line from A Chinese Odyssey and other Stephen Chow films, representing the promise of total devotion and support. Used both sincerely as an expression of commitment and as a...
Don't worry, I've got this meal! I will take care of you!
Literally 'husband take away,' used to jokingly describe something that is so appealing or desirable that one feels like claiming it immediately, often in a playful or romantic context.
This dress looks so good, I want to claim it for myself!
Translates to 'photo scam', this term is used to refer to images that are highly edited or filtered, leading to misleading perceptions of appearance. It's often used in discussions about online authenticity.
Her photos look beautiful, but they are actually a photo scam.
Translating to 'I don't want to go to work,' this phrase expresses burnout and reluctance towards work. It's commonly used among the younger generation feeling the pressures of job responsibilities.
Monday is here again, and I really don't want to go to work.
Once, there was a sincere love placed right before me — the opening line of the most iconic romantic monologue in Chinese cinema, from A Chinese Odyssey. Used online whenever someone dramatically laments a missed oppo...
Once a sincere love was placed before me and I did not cherish it... I missed the Double 11 shopping discount.
Forever / for life — 1314 sounds like 一生一世 (yī shēng yī shì), meaning "one lifetime, one world." Used to express eternal love. Almost always paired with 520 to form 5201314: "I love you forever."
I love you 520-1314 — forever and never apart.
Lying flat - a lifestyle philosophy of doing the bare minimum, rejecting the pressure to constantly strive for more. A counter-movement to '内卷' (involution).
I've decided to lie flat, I don't want to compete anymore.
WTF / damn it / f**k — abbreviation of 他妈的 (tā mā de), literally "his mother's." The most commonly used Chinese expletive online, softened to initials to bypass censorship filters and make it slightly more socially ac...
WTF, the damn internet cut out again!
Translating to 'no show' or 'no chance,' this term describes a situation where success seems unlikely. It's often used in a casual context to express skepticism about outcomes.
He has no chance in this exam; his preparation just isn't enough.
This term means 'to show off' or 'to act cool,' and is often used to describe someone who has an attitude or swagger. It can be used positively to praise someone or negatively to criticize arrogance.
He always acts so cool, it's really unbearable.
The Study of Zhen - the tongue-in-cheek academic discipline of analyzing 甄嬛传
Zhen scholars have already identified seventeen distinct meanings in that one glance.
Is it or not? / Right? — 484 sounds like 是不是 (shì bù shì), a common question tag meaning "right?" or "isn't it?" Used in casual texting to ask for confirmation or add a rhetorical question.
Don't you feel like there's been a lot of pressure lately?
Translating to 'social cow', this humorous term refers to people who have a significant influence or power in social settings or networks. It implies a person’s ability to command attention and respect.
In this circle, he is definitely a social influencer.
Argument demon - Someone who argues about everything just to be contrary.
He is an argument demon, contradicting everything.
I love you — 520 sounds like 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) in Mandarin. The most iconic Chinese number code for love, used in texts, gifts, and online chats. May 20th (5/20) has become an unofficial Valentine's Day in China because ...
Today is May 20th (520), I want to tell you — I love you!
Literally meaning 'fur explosions,' this term is used to describe someone who reacts strongly or gets easily irritated, especially in a humorous context. It can refer to someone getting upset over something trivial.
Upon seeing that comment, she got irritated instantly!
Translating to 'crazy stone', this term is used to describe something quirky or unexpected, often in a humorous context. It conveys a sense of absurdity.
His behavior is just like a crazy stone.
This term means 'to dominate within one's own space' and is often used to describe someone who feels powerful or confident only in their familiar environment and not in the outside world.
She's confident at home, but she doesn't dare to speak outside.
Literally 'little braid,' this term describes a person's weakness or leverage over someone else, used in contexts where someone is trying to control or manipulate another.
The little braid between us is in his hands, so he always has the upper hand.
An exclamation of excitement or hype — the Chinese internet equivalent of "Let's go!" or "Woo-hoo!" Although 芜湖 is a real city in Anhui province, it was hijacked as a viral meme sound effect and is now used purely to ...
We won! Let's gooo, we are taking off!
GOAT / legend / the best forever — abbreviation of 永远的神 (yǒng yuǎn de shén), meaning "forever the god/legend." Used to describe someone or something as the absolute best — the Chinese equivalent of GOAT (Greatest of A...
This drama is literally YYDS — cried every single episode!
Meaning 'light bulb,' this term refers to a person who awkwardly joins a couple, often in a social context. It symbolizes feeling out of place or being a third wheel.
At the party, I felt like a light bulb, it was so awkward.
Translating to 'compare hearts', this term describes the action of making a heart shape with one's hands as a gesture of love or appreciation. It’s often used in a playful and affectionate manner on social media.
I make a heart for you, hoping you are happy!
Bye bye! — 886 sounds like 拜拜了 (bāi bāi le), an enthusiastic farewell. A playful numeric shorthand for goodbye used in text chats and online messages.
Okay I'm going to sleep — bye bye~
Translating to 'sour', this slang term is used to describe feelings of jealousy or envy in a humorous way. It can be used to tease someone feeling left out or envious.
Seeing them so happy makes me feel a bit sour.
This term refers to 'feel-good literature' or stories that are satisfying to read, often with wish-fulfillment plots and happy endings. It’s commonly used in online literature discussions.
I've been following a feel-good story lately, and it's really enjoyable.
Translating to 'information gap', this term describes the phenomenon when one party has more or better information than another, often leading to advantages or misunderstandings.
Due to the information gap, he made the wrong decision.
Meaning 'to pick up lunch boxes', this term refers to experiencing failure or a setback, often in a humorous context. It highlights the feeling of disappointment in life.
He failed the exam this time; it’s truly regrettable.
Translating to 'high-level black,' this term describes witty, sophisticated sarcasm or criticism that is clever and layered. It is used to express sarcasm without being overtly aggressive.
His comment was truly high-level black, making everyone burst into laughter.
Meaning 'seeking help online', this term describes the act of asking for assistance or advice through social media platforms. It reflects the growing trend of seeking community help in digital spaces.
I am seeking help online, hoping to receive some advice.
Big brother / older guy (affectionate) — GG stands for 哥哥 (gē gē), meaning older brother. Used by fans to address male idols or by girls addressing older male friends affectionately. Also carries the gaming sense of "...
This GG (guy) is way too handsome — I'm instantly a fan!
This idiom means 'wealth and honor are sought in danger', emphasizing the idea that taking risks is necessary for achieving great success. It's often used to encourage daring actions.
To succeed, you must take risks; wealth and honor are sought in danger.
I love you forever — the ultimate romantic number combination in Chinese, merging 520 (I love you / 我爱你) and 1314 (forever / 一生一世) into a single declaration of eternal love.
Happy anniversary! I love you forever — 5201314!
Referring to spicy strips of snack food, this term has become a cultural symbol for youth trends and indulgence in junk food. It's often mentioned in a nostalgic or humorous context.
After school, we always go buy spicy strips to eat.
Translating to 'chuunibyou', it refers to a syndrome common among adolescents who have delusions of grandeur or believe they possess unique abilities. This term humorously captures the dramatic and often unrealistic s...
His behavior is totally chuunibyou; he's a self-centered kid.
Exactly! / Precisely! — 9494 sounds like 就是就是 (jiù shì jiù shì), a repeated affirmative used to enthusiastically agree with someone. The doubling emphasizes strong agreement.
This boss is so stingy! Exactly, exactly!
Meaning 'pushing the pot', similar to '甩锅', this term is used for transferring blame or responsibility onto someone else, often in a humorous context.
He always pushes the blame onto others, which I find very frustrating.
Your mom! / WTF (directed) — abbreviation of 你妈的 (nǐ mā de), literally "your mother's." A stronger, more personally directed version of TMD. Used when angry at a specific person rather than just venting at the universe.
How dare you treat me like this — WTF!
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