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 'drama drought', referring to a time when there are no new series to watch, leading to feelings of boredom. It captures the emotional struggle of avid TV watchers.
I’m experiencing a drama drought lately; I don’t know what to watch.
Meaning 'algorithm recommendation', this term discusses how content is suggested to users based on their previous interactions and preferences. It's a critical topic regarding user experience on social media platforms...
The platform's algorithm recommendations have shown me a lot of content I'm interested in.
Literally translates to 'Pikachu smile'. It refers to a situation where someone is smiling but feels internally anxious or nervous, often used in a humorous context. The term has gained traction in online memes.
I always have a Pikachu smile when facing clients.
Meaning 'that's right' or 'no doubt,' this term is used to express agreement or affirmation, often humorously to emphasize a point. It's very common in discussions across social media.
You’re right; this method is indeed effective.
Translating to 'plot twist drama,' this term is used to describe stories or events that take unexpected turns, often leading to surprising conclusions. It's popular in discussions about movies, shows, and real-life si...
This movie is truly a plot twist drama; the ending surprised me greatly.
Translating to 'facial paralysis', this term humorously refers to someone who is unexpressive or emotionless, especially in situations that would typically elicit a reaction. It suggests a stoic or indifferent demeanor.
His emotionless face at the party made me helpless.
Riding the hype - Exploiting trending topics for attention.
He is just riding the hype.
Short for 'Online to Offline,' this term refers to a business model that connects online services with offline experiences. It highlights the integration of digital and real-world shopping.
Many businesses use the O2O model to attract customers.
Translating to 'heartache,' this term is used to express deep emotional pain, often in romantic contexts. It reflects feelings of heartbreak or sorrow.
Seeing them break up makes my heart ache severely.
Translating to 'it's just because I'm too difficult', this phrase expresses a sense of struggle or difficulty in life situations, often used humorously to cope with challenges. It suggests that one feels overwhelmed b...
Every time I do homework, I think: it’s just because I’m too difficult.
Literally meaning 'soul ferryman', this phrase refers to someone who helps others navigate through difficult times or emotional struggles. It also carries a deeper philosophical or metaphorical meaning.
My friend acted as my soul ferryman during my low points.
Literally 'the heart thumps', this phrase conveys a feeling of love at first sight or an instant crush. It’s often used in romantic contexts.
The moment she smiled at me, my heart thumped.
Translating to 'study hard', this phrase is often used humorously or as motivation in academic contexts. It can convey encouragement or sarcasm, depending on the situation.
You need to study hard and not waste time like I do.
This term translates to 'eating fragrant food' and is used to describe someone or something that is in high demand or popularity. It reflects favorable situations where one benefits greatly.
In this industry, people who know foreign languages are always in high demand.
Meaning 'nostalgia', this term is often used to describe fond memories of the past, especially relating to music, movies, and cultural phenomena from one's youth. It taps into the sentimental feeling of longing for si...
This song fills me with nostalgia.
Means 'trend' or 'fashion.' It signifies what's currently popular, particularly in fashion, music, or lifestyle choices. It's often used in discussions surrounding youth culture and consumer trends.
This is a new trend that everyone is chasing.
Translates to 'to play a role,' commonly used in contexts like role-playing games or acting. It implies engaging deeply in a character or persona, often for fun.
In this game, I like to play the role of a wizard.
Translating to 'if you don't create problems, you won't have problems,' this phrase is often used to warn against unnecessary drama or conflict, emphasizing the importance of avoiding trouble.
His statement really got him into trouble; if he hadn't caused issues, he would have been fine.
Translating to 'don't mess around,' this term is often used to tell someone to stop joking or being disruptive. It's a casual way to express annoyance or to seek seriousness.
Don't mess around; it's work time now.
Literally translating to 'a beautiful face in a prosperous era', this term is used to describe someone with an exceptionally beautiful appearance. It's often used in a complimentary or exaggerated way.
She truly is a beauty in a prosperous era, attracting attention wherever she goes.
Refers to an informal theory about how when someone becomes famous or successful, the people around them suddenly become more supportive or affiliate themselves with that success.
After she debuted, all her friends suddenly became supporters of the Strong's Law.
Translating to 'force-feeding,' this term refers to someone trying to compel others to accept something, usually an opinion or product, whether they want to or not.
Don't force-feed me this kind of music; I really can't stand it.
Meaning 'guerrilla team,' this term refers to a group that engages in unconventional tactics, often used in marketing or activism contexts. It suggests creativity and flexibility in approach.
Our guerrilla marketing team is very active on social media.
Eating melon / Watching drama - Being a bystander watching drama unfold, like eating watermelon while watching a show.
I am just quietly eating melon watching your drama.
Means 'not happy', often used to express dissatisfaction or disappointment in a light-hearted way, especially in online discussions.
I’m not happy today because I didn’t do well on the exam.
A playful term that refers to characters resembling superheroes, often used to describe individuals who dress up or behave heroically. It implies humor and whimsy.
He dressed up like a superhero today; it's quite funny.
Literally means 'to tan,' used to refer to someone getting darker due to sun exposure. It can also signify someone who enjoys showing off their summer adventures or leisure activities online.
I got tanned this summer, really happy about it.
Translating to 'explode', this term is used to describe something that is incredibly exciting or impressive, often in the context of events or performances. It reflects a strong sense of liveliness and enthusiasm.
This performance is simply explosive! The audience went wild.
This term means 'observation party,' referring to individuals who prefer to watch rather than participate in discussions or activities. It conveys a sense of being a passive observer.
I just want to be an observer and see how others do it.
This term refers to a traditional practice of arranged meetings between potential romantic partners, usually set up by family or friends. It highlights cultural expectations and the societal pressure of finding a part...
My parents arranged a matchmaking meeting for me.
Translating to 'youth culture', this term encompasses the trends, behaviors, and expressions prevalent among adolescents. It's a focal point for understanding how youth identity is formed in contemporary society.
Youth culture is particularly prominent on social media.
Translating to 'squeeze,' this term is often used in the context of taking advantage of someone's abilities or labor, especially in work environments. It implies exploitation or overworking.
This company always exploits its employees.
Translating to 'full-time expert,' this term is often used in gaming to describe a highly skilled player who dedicates considerable time to mastering a game. It reflects admiration for dedication to skill development.
He is a full-time expert in this game, no doubt about it!
Translating to 'disciplined girl,' this term refers to individuals (often women) who maintain a structured and disciplined lifestyle, focusing on self-care, productivity, and personal growth. It’s often shared in well...
She is a disciplined girl, exercising every day.
Translating to 'Buddha system love', it describes a laid-back approach to romantic relationships, where individuals are not overly concerned about perfection or pressure.
I just want a laid-back romance; I’ll go with the flow.
Meaning 'divine comment', this term describes exceptionally witty or insightful comments made about content online. It's often used to highlight humorous or clever takes in discussions.
The divine comments under this article made me laugh.
Translating to 'wife spoiling madman,' this term describes a husband who dotes on his wife excessively, often used humorously.
He is a wife spoiling madman, cooking for her every day.
Translating to 'chicken crowing at midnight', this term describes someone who should be discreet but is overly loud or attention-seeking at inappropriate times. It implies a lack of self-awareness.
His speaking in the meeting was like chicken crowing at midnight; I felt embarrassed.
Literally meaning 'to throw the pot,' this term refers to blaming someone else for one’s own mistakes or failures, often used in discussions where accountability is being shifted.
He always blames others and never reflects on himself.
Translating to 'meow meow,' this term is used to express cuteness or playfulness, often in the context of animals, particularly cats. It’s a way to evoke a sense of affection or endearment.
Look at that little kitten; it's just so cute!
'自恋' translates to 'self-love' or 'narcissism.' It can be used both positively to refer to self-acceptance and negatively to describe excessive self-absorption. It often appears in discussions about self-image.
His narcissism makes me feel somewhat helpless.
Translating to 'slump' or 'languish,' this term describes a state of hopelessness or lack of motivation. It's often associated with a feeling of being stuck or lost.
Recently, I’ve been feeling a bit down and unmotivated.
This term means 'recharge' and is commonly used in the context of adding credits or funds, especially in gaming or online services. It often implies a sense of investing in experiences.
I need to recharge my gaming account to unlock new features.
Meaning 'turning over,' it conveys the idea of making a comeback or overcoming a challenging situation. This term is often used to describe someone finally achieving success after hardship.
After much effort, I've finally turned my situation around.
To PUA/gaslight someone - Using the English letters CPU to mean manipulating or gaslighting someone psychologically. Wordplay on 'PUA' (pickup artist tactics).
Stop gaslighting me, I know this isn't my fault.
Translating to 'working love', this term describes romantic relationships formed between coworkers or during work-related events. It captures the tensions and dynamics often present in such relationships.
We are the perfect example of a working love.
Meaning 'first eat a piece of candy,' this phrase is often used to lighten the mood or make a situation more pleasant before discussing something serious or unpleasant.
Let's eat a piece of candy before discussing something important.
Translating to 'insert a needle into a gap', this term is used to encourage making the best use of available time or opportunities, often in a hustle culture context. It emphasizes efficiency in managing tasks.
You have to insert a needle into the gaps to get everything done amidst the busyness.
Literally 'fake cigarettes', this term is often used to describe counterfeit or subpar products, especially in a humorous context. It can refer to anything that is not genuine or authentic.
The quality of this clothing is really subpar.
Literally 'instant removal', this term refers to the quick disappearance of a post or comment from social media. It is frequently used when someone regrets posting something and deletes it shortly after, especially in...
The post she just made was removed instantly; it seems she regretted it.