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 'anti-routine', this term describes unexpected twists in stories or content that defy typical expectations. It's often used in discussions about films, shows, or narratives that surprise audiences.
The ending of this show was so unexpected; it really surprised me.
Translating to 'storm circle,' this term is used to describe a crisis or intense drama occurring within a limited group, often on social media. It has a connotation of chaos amidst a close-knit community.
The recent discussion has been really chaotic.
This term is a playful way to refer to gossip or lighthearted chat, similar to 'tea' in English-speaking cultures. It often involves sharing amusing or scandalous stories about others.
Let's have some tea and share the latest gossip.
Meaning 'to get rich', this term is often used to wish someone good fortune, especially during the New Year. It’s light-hearted and is meant to inspire optimism about financial success.
Wishing you wealth in the new year!
This term means 'review' or 'analyze' and is often used in strategic contexts, like reviewing games or events to learn from them. It emphasizes the importance of reflection and improvement.
We need to review this match and summarize the experience.
Literally translating to 'mind hole wide open,' this term describes a moment of inspiration or a sudden burst of creativity, often used when someone has a unique idea or solution to a problem.
His words opened my mind wide to new ideas.
This term means 'internet celebrity selling goods' and refers to the trend of online influencers promoting products, highlighting the influence of social media on shopping.
Nowadays, many young people prefer to shop through internet celebrities selling goods.
Refers to 'school district housing,' a term used to describe homes located in desirable school districts, often leading to high real estate prices. It emphasizes the value placed on education in Chinese culture.
Buying a house in a good school district is a dream for many parents.
Literally meaning 'eating stinky tofu', this term is used to describe engaging in an activity that is notoriously unpopular or disliked, often used humorously. It symbolizes enduring something unpleasant for a greater...
This party is so dull; it feels like eating stinky tofu.
Translating to 'worship with all five limbs,' this phrase is used to express admiration or respect for someone's talents or achievements. It's often used in a hyperbolic sense.
His achievements in this field make people worship him completely.
Drama queen - Someone who is overly dramatic.
She is such a drama queen, always making mountains from molehills.
This term translates to 'headache' but is used figuratively to describe frustration or annoyance often caused by complicated situations or discussions. It expresses the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Today's meeting gave me a headache.
Meaning 'fancy' or 'variety', this term often describes creative or elaborate ways of doing something, particularly in food or entertainment. It suggests innovation and flair.
The fancy drinks he made look so delicious.
Meaning 'to admit defeat,' this term is often used casually to signify conceding in an argument or situation and can be used humorously among friends.
I admitted defeat in the argument; I didn't want to continue arguing.
This phrase means 'to discover potential' and is often used in contexts related to personal or professional development. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing one’s talents.
The goal of education is to discover potential and help students become better versions of themselves.
Win while lying down - Winning without effort, carried by teammates.
I won lying down this game, teammates were too strong.
Literally 'the one responsible for looks', this term refers to someone who is considered the attractive member of a group, contributing to the overall visual appeal. It is often used lightheartedly among friends.
In our team, she is definitely the one responsible for looks.
The Nine Yin Manual — the supreme martial arts scripture in Jin Yong's The Legend of the Condor Heroes, containing the ultimate secrets of combat. Online, used for any comprehensive, authoritative guide or resource th...
This interview prep resource is basically the Nine Yin Manual — it has everything.
Meaning 'explorer,' this term is used to describe someone who is adventurous and seeks out new experiences, particularly in travel or lifestyle contexts. It’s often used positively to celebrate adventurous spirits.
She is an explorer who loves traveling to different countries.
Literally translates to 'little ginger.' It refers to a cute or young person, often used to describe someone who is charmingly naïve or innocent.
This little ginger is so cute; who wouldn’t like them?
Literally translates to 'create chaos.' It describes someone who stirs up trouble or acts mischievously, usually to provoke reactions from others. It’s a playful way to express messy behavior.
Stop stirring up trouble, everyone can't take it anymore.
This slang translates to 'out of fashion' or 'past its prime', used to describe trends or celebrities that once were popular but have since faded. It's often used to critique or joke about fleeting fame.
His style is now out of fashion; no one follows it anymore.
Translating to 'light speed', this term refers to the speed at which something happens, often used to describe quick responses or rapid changes. It conveys a sense of urgency and efficiency.
His response was at light speed; I couldn’t even react.
Translating to 'working is tiring', this phrase reflects the exhaustion many feel from their jobs, often used to express solidarity among workers.
I was so busy at work today; working is tiring.
This term combines 'working' and 'petting cats,' referring to the trend of working while also spending time with pets, particularly cats. It's often used to describe a cozy, happy work-from-home lifestyle.
I enjoy working while petting my cat every day, making work less dull.
Meaning 'to improve' or 'to upgrade', this term is often used in contexts where personal growth, skills, or experiences are discussed, especially in self-improvement and educational settings.
I want to improve my English proficiency.
Meaning 'self-deprecating humor,' this term describes the act of making fun of oneself in a lighthearted manner. It’s a way to connect with others through shared flaws.
I like to use self-deprecating humor to ease awkwardness.
Translating to 'self-cultivation,' this term refers to the practice of personal development and self-improvement. It signifies a commitment to enhancing one's character and abilities over time.
I'm working hard to improve my self-cultivation by reading more books.
Literally meaning 'to steal the spotlight,' this term is used when someone tries to attract attention or be the center of focus in a situation where they might not belong. It’s often used in entertainment or social si...
She stole the spotlight at the party, making everyone notice her.
This term translates to 'awakening' and refers to a realization or awareness of one’s circumstances or societal issues, often leading to activism or a change in lifestyle.
This incident has awakened me to social issues.
Translating to 'doing odd jobs', this term refers to performing various low-level tasks or jobs, often without specific expertise or significance. It's commonly used in discussions about work situations.
In the company, I’m responsible for doing odd jobs; I have a lot of errands to run.
Translating to 'heart-shaking dictionary,' this term refers to phrases or words that evoke strong emotional responses, often used in the context of romantic feelings. It reflects the diversity of expressions in love.
The lyrics of this song are like a heart-shaking dictionary, moving me deeply.
This phrase means 'to hit the headlines' and is used when someone or something becomes very popular or trending in news and social media. It emphasizes sudden fame or recognition.
His work suddenly hit the headlines; it’s amazing.
Translating to 'little thoughts,' this term is used to describe someone who has secret intentions or feelings, often in a romantic context. It conveys a sense of affectionate or intriguing hidden feelings.
His little thoughts about her make people feel sweet.
This phrase means 'to bring shame upon oneself', used to describe situations when someone does something embarrassing or foolish that leads to their own humiliation. It conveys a sense of self-inflicted misfortune.
He 'brought shame upon himself' and ended up being laughed at by everyone.
Private key - The secret key that controls your crypto wallet.
Never tell anyone your private key!
Translating to 'ferocious dog,' this term is used to describe someone who is fierce, assertive, or formidable in a competitive environment. It carries a sense of respect.
In the competition, she performed like a ferocious dog.
Translating to 'social commerce', this term refers to the integration of social media and online shopping, emphasizing how platforms are used for marketing and selling products through influencers.
Social commerce is becoming increasingly popular now.
Translating to 'old man' or 'uncle,' this term is often used to refer to someone in authority or an experienced person, sometimes with a humorous or sarcastic tone.
This old man is truly a wise person.
Literally 'turn off the light.' Used in online contexts to signify leaving or quitting, especially on social media or during gaming sessions, often in a humorous way.
I'm about to turn off the light; I don't want to play anymore today.
Translating to 'flying kiss', this term is used to describe a gesture of blowing a kiss, often to express affection or flirtation. It's commonly used in social media posts and text messages.
She added a flying kiss emoji next to the photo.
Translating to 'emotional collapse,' this phrase describes a state of intense emotional upheaval, often used humorously to exaggerate feelings about stressful situations. It captures the essence of being overwhelmed.
As soon as I heard the news, I instantly had an emotional collapse.
This phrase translates to 'finding trouble when there's none' and refers to people who create conflicts or drama unnecessarily. It's often said in a lighthearted manner.
He is always finding trouble when there's none, which annoys us all.
Means 'pretend master.' It refers to someone who pretends to be an expert or knowledgeable in a certain area but lacks real expertise. This term often highlights the gap between appearance and reality in the online wo...
On the forum, there are many comments from pretend masters, everyone should be cautious.
Translating to 'frog at the bottom of the well', this term refers to someone with a limited worldview or perspective. It serves as a metaphor for ignorance or lack of knowledge about the outside world.
He's truly a frog at the bottom of the well; he's never seen the outside world.
Translates to 'explosive increase in internet celebrities'. It refers to the sudden rise of online influencers or popular figures in a short time.
Recently, this video caused many people to become internet celebrities in a short time.
Literally meaning 'to take things seriously', this term is used to describe someone who stubbornly insists on details or is overly serious about minor issues. It often carries a humorous connotation, suggesting a lack...
He always takes things too seriously; it’s exhausting to discuss issues with him.
This term refers to a sense of competition or a challenge, often in a light-hearted context. It can denote a collective effort to accomplish a task or challenge each other.
Let's compete together and see who can win in this contest.
Literally meaning 'light-emitting body,' this term refers to individuals who are exceptionally bright or charming, often used to compliment someone’s magnetic personality or charisma.
She was truly a light-emitting body at the party, attracting everyone's attention.
This term refers to young, cute, and innocent girls, often seen in anime and manga culture. It conveys an endearing or protective sentiment towards youth and innocence.
The loli character in this anime is very popular.