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
Translating to 'moving bricks on a construction site,' it refers to hard and possibly low-paying work. It is often used humorously to describe people who work hard but earn little, especially in social media contexts.
Going to work feels like moving bricks on a construction site; it’s exhausting.
Literally means 'Mr. Almost.' This term describes someone who is overly casual or indifferent about details, often resulting in subpar outcomes.
He is always Mr. Almost when it comes to work, making it hard for people to trust him.
Weirdo / pervert / freak — abbreviation of 变态 (biàn tài), literally "changed state" or "abnormal." Used to call someone a pervert, a weirdo, or just someone behaving strangely. Can be affectionate between friends or g...
You weirdo! How did you even come up with that idea?
Translating to 'drift bottle', this term is used in online contexts to refer to sending messages or sharing thoughts with strangers, akin to sending a message in a bottle. It emphasizes the idea of reaching out in an ...
I sent a drift bottle online, hoping someone would respond.
Alcohol-free socialising — going out, hanging with friends, and building connections without a drop of alcohol involved. Think mocktails, specialty teas, and coffee dates instead of bar rounds. A rising lifestyle tren...
Alcohol-free socialising is trending lately — let's switch to a specialty tea house for our catch-up.
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!
This term can mean 'to flirt' or 'to hook up'. It describes casual romantic interactions and has a playful, cheeky tone. It's commonly used among young people in dating contexts.
They were flirting all night at the bar and looked very happy.
Translating to 'adorable pet,' this term refers to pets that are considered exceptionally cute and endearing. It is often used in the context of sharing photos or videos that showcase the charms of pets.
This cat is truly an adorable pet; who wouldn't like it?
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 'Douyin dance', this term refers to the popular dance trends seen on the Douyin platform, often involving specific choreographies that go viral. It represents a blend of entertainment and social media c...
I'm learning the latest Douyin dance; it's so much fun!
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.
To hustle; to grind for money; to chase the bag
No rest on weekends — I'm out here getting that money!
Lemon spirit / Sour grapes - A jealous person who cannot be happy for others.
Stop being jealous, they worked hard for it.
Translating to 'killing time', this phrase refers to activities that occupy one's time without necessarily being productive. It reflects a casual or leisurely approach to passing moments while waiting or looking for e...
I like watching videos to kill time.
Meaning 'one reaps what one sows,' this phrase is often used to indicate that someone's misfortune is a result of their own actions.
The troubles he faced today were truly self-inflicted.
Meaning 'chicken head rice,' this term describes something that is good quality or top-notch, often used to refer to a high-value product or experience. It’s a playful way to compliment something admirable.
The steak at this restaurant is truly top-notch.
Meaning 'dancer', this term has gained popularity on platforms like Douyin to describe users who post dance videos. It's often used endearingly to refer to both amateur and professional dancers.
Every time she dances, I feel like she's a dancer.
Translated as 'heart explosion', it describes an intense feeling of excitement or infatuation, often used in romantic contexts.
Seeing her smile made my heart explode.
This term means 'to achieve one's wishes' and is often used when someone successfully attains something they desired. It encapsulates a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
As the New Year arrives, I hope everyone can realize their wishes.
Meaning 'makeup artist,' this term has gained popularity in beauty circles, particularly on social media where influencers showcase their makeup talents. It signifies professionalism in beauty and aesthetic presentation.
She is a very talented makeup artist; her work is always stunning.
Translating to 'mind map,' this term refers to a visual tool for organizing thoughts and ideas. It's often used in educational and professional settings to enhance comprehension and creativity.
To prepare for the report, I organized all my thoughts using a mind map.
Means 'must-buy list,' often used in the context of shopping, especially for beauty and lifestyle products. It's a trending term in consumer culture.
This brand's skincare products are recommended as a must-buy list on Xiaohongshu.
Literally meaning 'ugly rejection,' this is a humorous term used to decline offers or invitations in a light-hearted way, often implying that the offer is unappealing. It’s commonly used in dating and social contexts.
I can only decline his invitation in an ugly way.
This term refers to 'young rich kids' or affluent youth, often used to describe those who display wealth without much regard for effort. It's sometimes used derogatorily to criticize spoiled behavior.
Look at those young rich kids; their spending is so casual.
Translating to 'carnival,' this term is used to describe wild, festive parties or celebrations that are marked by unrestrained fun and enthusiasm. It's common in social media discussions about nightlife or events.
There's a carnival this weekend; everyone come join!
This phrase means 'endless surprises,' used to describe situations that are full of unexpected delights. It conveys excitement and positive anticipation.
This event is full of surprises; there’s something new every time.
This term means 'to distance oneself' from a situation or responsibility, often used when someone tries to clear their name or avoid blame. It implies a tactic of self-preservation.
He constantly distanced himself during the argument to avoid being implicated.
This term translates to 'emotional trash' and describes negative emotions or thoughts that one should discard or let go of. It encourages a focus on positivity and mental well-being.
Some emotional trash really needs to be learned to be let go of.
Meaning 'big clearance sale', this term is often used in marketing contexts to indicate a significant price drop or promotion. It's commonly used on e-commerce platforms to attract buyers.
This brand's products are now on big clearance sale; come grab them!
Translates to 'cloud pet', this term refers to virtual pets or pets that can be interacted with online rather than physical ones. It reflects a shift in how people engage with companionship in a digital space.
I've raised a cloud pet in the game; it's super cute.
This term means 'to lay out the cards' and refers to revealing one's true intentions or feelings, often used in discussions of relationships or business deals. It's about being honest and straightforward.
We finally laid our cards on the table, and we both know each other's true feelings.
Literally means 'whale swallowing'. It refers to someone or something that indiscriminately consumes or absorbs a large quantity of something, often used in the context of resources or knowledge.
He’s like a whale swallowing knowledge in his studies.
Literally meaning 'big-headed doll,' this term describes people who have an exaggerated sense of self or behave in an overly cute manner. It’s often used affectionately to criticize someone acting childish.
Stop acting like a big-headed doll.
Protecting life — used both in its traditional Buddhist sense of non-harm to all living beings and as a modern hashtag for animal rescue and conservation content. Spread widely as a caption for wildlife rescue videos ...
This is a genuine act of protecting life — not done for views.
Literally meaning 'unchanging for ten thousand years', this term is used to describe something that has remained constant or outdated. It is often used to mock traditions or outdated views in a humorous context.
His ideas are truly unchanged for ten thousand years; there’s no progress.
This phrase means 'decisively killing and punishing,' often used to describe someone who is ruthless or decisive in their actions, especially in competitive environments.
In this competition, he acted decisively and mercilessly.
Translating to 'blind eye', this term is used to describe someone who fails to notice obvious things, often in a humorous or slightly insulting manner.
This person is really oblivious; they can't see that she likes him.
Meaning 'to mock' or 'to ridicule,' this term is often used in internet culture to describe clever comebacks or sarcastic remarks aimed at someone or something.
His comment is just full of mockery!
Translating to 'alternative,' this term is used to describe unconventional styles, tastes, or ideas, often in fashion or art contexts. It embraces individuality and nonconformity.
His fashion style is quite alternative, attracting a lot of attention.
Translating to 'meat pie falling from the sky', this phrase refers to unexpected good fortune or luck, often in a sarcastic sense. It implies that one should not expect free gifts or success without hard work.
Success doesn’t come from meat pies falling from the sky; it requires hard work.
Translating to 'same model,' this term often refers to products that are the same as those used or worn by celebrities or influencers. It signifies the desire to emulate popular styles or trends.
This bag is the same model as the one used by the celebrity; I want to buy one too.
Literally meaning 'bottle cap,' this term is used in online conversations to refer to someone who rarely contributes or participates in discussions, akin to being mute in a group. It can be playful or critical.
In this group, you’re just a bottle cap, not contributing much.
This term means 'bad idea' and is often used sarcastically to dismiss someone's suggestion or plan. It encapsulates a humorous tone when expressing disagreement or disbelief in someone's proposal.
Do you think this plan is feasible? I think it's a bad idea.
Translating to 'small waves', this term describes minor or trivial conflicts or dramas that occur in daily life or online. It suggests that the issues are not serious but still noteworthy.
This little drama isn’t a big deal.
Translating to 'ride the hot spots', this term refers to the practice of taking advantage of trending topics or events to gain attention or relevance, especially in marketing and social media.
Many brands leverage hot spots to increase their visibility.
Translating to 'the outside scene', this term is often used to describe a situation where external appearances are misleading, highlighting the contrast between surface beauty and underlying issues.
The outside scene seems beautiful, but internally there are many troubles.
Meaning 'decided,' this term indicates a firm conclusion or resolution about something, often used in contexts of making important life choices or plans.
I decided to go on a trip to relax a bit.
Translating to 'only wolf,' this term refers to a tough, single character, often evoking a sense of independence or resilience. It’s frequently used in gaming contexts to describe lone warriors.
He always acts alone; he's truly a lone wolf.
Translating to 'powerful pampering,' this phrase is used to describe someone who is doted upon or spoiled by others due to their talents or abilities. It's often used in contexts related to relationships and friendships.
He is pampered in the team; everyone takes extra care of him.
Meaning 'African rainbow,' this slang is used to humorously describe something that is unexpectedly vibrant or colorful, often in a surprising or ironic way. It highlights creativity in expression.
His outfit combination is truly an African rainbow; it’s so cool!