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.
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.
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.
Literally meaning 'shoveling poop', this term is used humorously to refer to the responsibilities of pet ownership, especially regarding cleaning up after pets. It can also symbolize the responsibilities that come wit...
Owning a dog means shoveling poop; it’s really tiring.
This term means 'wasteful child' and is used to describe someone who squanders money carelessly or extravagantly. It reflects a negative judgment on reckless spending.
He is such a wasteful child; he spends money like there's no tomorrow.
Once you are in the jianghu, you cannot control your own fate. This iconic wuxia phrase captures the idea that once you are part of a world — a job, a relationship, a social circle — you lose the freedom to simply wal...
I do not want to work overtime either, but once you are in it, you cannot control your fate.
Guys, who gets it?! / Family, can anyone relate?
Guys, can anyone relate?! My boss actually praised me today!
Meaning 'little sweetie', this term is often used as an affectionate nickname for someone cute or endearing, especially in romantic contexts. It conveys warmth and fondness.
You are truly my little sweetie.
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!
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.
Snow Mountain Fox Rescue — the viral 2024-2025 video of a person rescuing a fox trapped in snow on a Tibetan plateau mountain. Now used as shorthand for any genuinely heartwarming rescue story that goes massively vira...
This video is a true Snow Mountain Fox Rescue moment — my eyes were red after watching it.
If you have money you are the boss — a blunt Beijing observation about how wealth determines social status and treatment. 大爷 means a respected elder or someone of standing. The phrase says: money is the only thing tha...
In this society, if you have money you are the boss — if you have no money, nobody listens to you.
This Palace - imperious first-person pronoun used for comic effect
This Palace is in a fine mood today. You may all rise.
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.
Literally means 'melon', but it is slang for gossip or juicy news, often about celebrities or trending topics. It conveys a sense of curiosity about unfolding stories.
Did you hear? There's another juicy gossip about to break!
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.
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 'benefits' or 'welfare', in internet slang it often refers to attractive or pleasurable content, sometimes of a more risqué nature. It implies something enjoyable that might be offered unexpectedly.
This drama has a lot of enjoyable scenes; it’s really good.
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.
To hustle; to grind for money; to chase the bag
No rest on weekends — I'm out here getting that money!
Meaning 'cannon fodder', this term is used to describe those who are expendable or easily sacrificed in a situation, often in the context of online games or competitive environments.
In this game, many people are just cannon fodder.
Literally meaning 'the body is very honest,' this term is used to describe how physical reactions often reflect true feelings, especially in humorous or light-hearted contexts.
His face shows everything; his body is very honest.
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 '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.
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!
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~
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.
Translating to 'instant noodle hero', this term is humorously used to describe someone who frequently consumes instant noodles, often due to a busy lifestyle or lack of cooking skills. It can also evoke nostalgia for ...
In high school, I was an instant noodle hero; I only started learning to cook now.
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.
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!
Translating to 'another world', this term refers to themes in anime and gaming where characters are transported to fantasy realms. It has become a popular reference among fans of these genres.
I’ve recently been watching an anime about adventures in another world.
Literally 'Daddy Ma', it refers to Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, often used humorously or affectionately in discussions about wealth and business. It reflects admiration or critique toward successful entrepreneurs.
Daddy Ma's business ideas are always so avant-garde.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Literally meaning 'deliver takeout,' this term is often used to describe working in the food delivery sector, but can also imply low-status jobs in a joking manner. It reflects a humorous view of gig economy jobs.
He’s delivering takeout now and starting his own business.
Idiot / dumbass / moron — abbreviation of 傻逼 (shǎ bī), a strong insult combining 傻 (stupid) and 逼 (vulgar term). One of the most common Chinese insults online. The abbreviation is used to soften the visual impact.
This person is such an SB — nothing they say makes any sense.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Waaah / crying — 555 mimics the sound of sobbing (呜呜呜, wū wū wū). Used to express sadness, disappointment, or mock-crying online. The more 5s you type, the more dramatic the crying.
Failed the exam, wahhh 555, I feel awful.
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.
The term '888' is an internet slang often used to express applause or encouragement, similar to saying 'good job' or 'well done.' It's derived from the sound of the word for 'bar' (发, fā), which is associated with goo...
Everyone's performance was excellent; well done!
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!
A phonetic code that sounds like 我愿意 (wǒ yuànyì, 'I am willing' / 'I do'). Used as a romantic declaration, especially on May 21st — China's second unofficial Valentine's Day. If 520 means 'I love you,' 521 means 'I do.'
Today is 521, I want to tell you — I am willing to walk through this life with you.
Not a single penny — the most direct Beijing way to say you are completely broke. Zir (子儿) is a Beijing dialect word for the smallest unit of money, so this means you literally have zero. Used to state financial reali...
My salary has not come in yet this month — I do not have a single penny.
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!
Mouth substitute - Someone who says exactly what you're thinking. When you see a comment or statement that perfectly expresses your own opinion.
This blogger is my mouth substitute, they said exactly what I think!
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.
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