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 phrase is used to indicate that someone feels unusually energetic or lively today. It can be used both sincerely and sarcastically, often to inject humor into a conversation.
I feel a bit energetic today; maybe it’s because I drank too much coffee.
Literally 'to hit the grass and startle the snake', this proverb describes actions that inadvertently alert others to a potential danger or plan, often used in strategic discussions.
If we act now, we might startle the snake.
Translating to 'let's talk nicely', this phrase is used to encourage calm and respectful communication, often in heated discussions. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue over conflict.
We can discuss this calmly; there's no need to argue.
Translating to 'box bottom', this term describes something that is kept as a last resort or cherished item. It can refer to skills, secrets, or resources that one might only reveal in dire situations.
This song is my cherished collection, kept for special occasions.
This playful phrase originated from a viral video and is often used to cheer someone on, akin to saying 'go for it!' or 'you can do it!'. It conveys support and encouragement.
Go for it, you can do it!
This term means 'to clean up' and can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as decluttering thoughts or social media feeds. It reflects a desire for simplicity and organization.
I need to clean up my social media.
Translating to 'I am not a medicine god,' this term originates from a popular film and refers to someone who cannot solve all problems or save everyone. It's often used humorously to indicate limitations.
Don't treat me like a medicine god; I have my own troubles.
Literally meaning 'African savanna', this term humorously denotes a chaotic or disorderly environment, often used to describe messy social situations. It reflects a playful approach to describing disorganization.
Today's gathering was really chaotic; there were so many people it was a headache.
This term means 'live-streaming sales', referring to the practice of selling products through live video broadcasts on platforms like Douyin and Taobao. Hosts demonstrate products in real-time, engaging audiences and ...
Her live-streaming sales attracted tens of thousands of viewers.
Meaning 'auspicious' or 'lucky,' this term is used to describe good fortune or positive vibes in a situation. It's often used in celebrations or when things go well.
Today is an auspicious day; I passed my exam!
Translating to 'perfect match,' this term describes two people or things that go exceptionally well together, often in the context of relationships or partnerships.
They are truly a perfect match; they fit so well together.
Literally 'escape pod', this slang is a metaphorical reference to a personal space where one can retreat during stressful situations, often used humorously. It highlights the importance of self-care and stress relief.
I need an escape pod every day to relieve stress.
Translating to 'circle of friends', this term refers to a person's close social network or group of friends with whom they share personal matters. It emphasizes the importance of social connections and support.
I recently traveled with my circle of friends, and we had a great time.
Literally meaning 'to wet one's pants,' this term is used humorously to describe someone being overly scared or surprised, often in response to shocking news or events.
He almost wet his pants when he heard that news.
This slang term means 'awesome' or 'impressive' and can be used to express admiration or amazement. It reflects a level of respect for someone's skills or achievements.
His skills are really impressive!
This term means 'to become a sensation across the internet', used to describe trends or individuals that go viral and gain massive attention online. It's often applied to videos, memes, or social movements.
This challenge video has become a sensation across the internet; everyone is imitating it.
Translating to 'jaw-dropping,' this term is used to describe something so shocking or surprising that it leaves one speechless. It reflects astonishment or disbelief.
His performance was jaw-dropping; I couldn’t believe it.
Meaning 'the life of a worker', this phrase expresses the struggles and hardships faced by employees in modern society. It’s often used to highlight the challenges of balancing work and personal life, resonating with ...
Facing all this pressure, I really feel like the life of a worker.
This phrase translates to 'working hard,' combining the notions of labor and struggle. It's often used to express the need to work tirelessly to achieve goals in a competitive environment.
Working hard is my philosophy of life.
Translating to 'in the same frame,' this term is used to describe two or more people appearing together in a photograph or video, especially in celebrity contexts. It signifies moments that fans cherish.
They were in the same frame at the event; the fans went crazy.
Literally 'to set off fireworks,' this term is a metaphor for celebrating success or a grand occasion. It can also imply showing off or making a big deal out of something.
Her birthday party was truly a celebration, unforgettable.
This term means 'marginal person,' referring to someone who feels socially isolated or disconnected from a group. It reflects feelings of loneliness or exclusion.
I always feel like a marginal person and can't fit in with everyone.
This phrase means 'to leave with nothing' and is used in the context of breakups or divorces where one partner leaves without retaining any shared assets. It reflects the harsh realities of personal relationships.
He chose to leave with nothing during the divorce, not wanting any more entanglements.
Translating to 'Pepsi', it is often humorously used to describe something that is too sugary or overly sweet. It reflects a lighthearted critique of extreme sweetness, whether in food or personality.
Her smile is truly too sweet; it’s like Pepsi.
Translating to 'fake social interaction,' this term describes superficial interactions, particularly in social media, where people engage for appearances rather than genuine connection.
Friendships nowadays are a bit superficial; everyone is focused on appearances.
Translating to 'jealous madman,' this term humorously labels someone who is excessively jealous or envious.
Every time he sees someone with something new, he turns into a jealous madman.
Translating to 'have flown up', this term is used to describe a situation where something has suddenly become very popular or successful. It reflects a sense of astonishing success.
As soon as the song was released, it became very popular; everyone is listening.
Translating to 'renew', this slang is commonly used in the context of refreshing one's image or approach, especially on social media. It suggests a change or improvement in style or behavior.
I've decided to refresh my social media account.
Translating to 'thank you, boss,' this expression is often used sarcastically to mock overwork or to express gratitude for burdensome tasks. It reflects workplace dynamics.
Today’s work was exhausting; thank you, boss.
This phrase translates to 'poverty limits my imagination,' humorously indicating that financial constraints are blocking one's ability to dream big or aspire to luxurious things. It's a tongue-in-cheek commentary on e...
I want to travel this weekend, but poverty limits my imagination.
Translating to 'not worth it in the world,' this phrase expresses the sentiment of feeling disillusioned or jaded about life or certain experiences. It reflects the struggles of modern existence.
These trivial matters really make people feel that life isn't worth it.
Literally meaning 'to swipe face', this term refers to leveraging personal connections or looks to gain advantages, especially in social or professional settings. It often has a negative connotation.
He always leverages his looks to get job opportunities; I find it unfair.
Translating to 'distinct styles', this term indicates that various people or things have noticeably different traits or characteristics. It's commonly used in discussions about fashion, art, or personal expression.
Their works have distinct styles, each with its own characteristics.
Translates to 'divine reversal'. It describes an unexpected plot twist or change in events, usually in storytelling or everyday life.
The divine reversal in this story was completely unexpected.
Translating to 'online literature', this term refers to literary works published and shared online, often emerging from fan fiction or amateur writing communities. It emphasizes the democratization of writing.
Online literature is becoming more and more popular, attracting many young people.
Literally meaning 'to expand', this term is used to describe someone who becomes arrogant or overly confident, often after a small success. It suggests a temporary state where someone may lose touch with reality due t...
He has become arrogant lately, thinking he can do anything.
This phrase translates to 'the most beautiful on the entire internet'. It is often used humorously or ironically to praise someone’s appearance or work, usually in a lighthearted or tongue-in-cheek manner.
Her photo today is truly the most beautiful on the entire internet.
Translating to 'acting faction', this term refers to actors or actresses who are considered highly skilled and serious about their craft, as opposed to those who rely on looks or superficial charm. It implies depth in...
She is truly a skilled actor; she performs every role excellently.
Literally meaning 'rollback', this term is used in both gaming and software contexts to refer to reverting a system or game to a previous state. It often refers to a failure or bug fix.
After the game update, there was a problem, so we had to choose to rollback.
Literally meaning 'only you in my eyes,' this term is used romantically to express someone’s deep affection or infatuation for another person.
He always says that he only has eyes for you.
Translating to 'self-growth', this term emphasizes the importance of personal development and self-improvement in life, often discussed in motivational contexts.
I'm pursuing self-growth, hoping to become better.
Meaning 'sitting and waiting', this term describes the act of waiting passively for something to happen, often used humorously in contexts where people are eagerly anticipating an outcome.
Regarding the outcome of the game, all I can do is sit and wait.
Translating to 'push down in place', this term is used in online gaming to depict a character being defeated easily. It also applies to instances where one feels overwhelmed or taken down unexpectedly in life.
In this game, I was easily taken down by the enemy without any resistance.
Literally 'merciless slap in the face.' This phrase is used to describe situations where reality sharply contradicts expectations, often leading to embarrassment or defeat.
He said he could win, but in the end, he got a merciless slap in the face during the match.
Meaning 'to borrow the east wind', this phrase signifies using an opportunity or favorable situation to achieve a goal. It reflects the idea of leveraging external factors for personal gain.
I borrowed the east wind in the competition and successfully won first place.
Meaning 'spirited and energetic', this term is used to describe someone who is full of energy or enthusiasm. It conveys a sense of positivity and motivation.
Today I’m spirited and ready to face new challenges.
Translating to 'return to spring', this term refers to regaining vitality or freshness, often after a period of decline. It's used to express rejuvenation in various contexts like health or appearance.
After some care, she has 'regained her vitality'.
Translating to 'post-pandemic era,' this term reflects the societal changes and adaptations that have occurred following the COVID-19 pandemic. It signifies a new normal in lifestyle and social interactions.
We are adapting to the lifestyle of the post-pandemic era.
Meaning 'as expected' or 'sure enough,' this term expresses that something turned out as one anticipated. It often shows a sense of validation or confirmation about a situation.
He didn’t come as expected; I’m really disappointed.
This term means 'super sweet' and is often used to describe overly cute or affectionate things, such as a couple's interaction. It can convey both admiration and a teasing tone.
Their sweet interactions are so overly cute that they make me want to gag.