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
Literally meaning 'little fresh meat', this term is used to describe young and handsome male celebrities or idols. It conveys admiration and sometimes envy regarding youthful attractiveness.
This young idol is very popular in the TV series.
This means 'crying emoji,' commonly used to express exaggerated sadness, humor, or dramatic reactions in conversations. It reflects a playful way to convey emotions online.
When I saw this bad news, I sent a crying emoji.
This phrase literally means 'blowing water' and is used to describe casual chatting or boasting, often without much substance. It’s similar to 'shooting the breeze' in English.
We chatted casually at the coffee shop for a few hours.
Meaning 'detective novels', this term is often used to refer to mystery stories that involve solving a crime. It's popular among reading communities and those who enjoy puzzles.
I've been reading detective novels lately and really enjoy the puzzle-solving aspect.
The term mimics the sound of something rolling or tumbling, often used to represent procrastination or an idle lifestyle. It can also describe a situation where things don't go as planned, adding a playful tone.
I rolled around all afternoon and didn't get anything done.
Translating to 'dormitory economy', this term refers to a trend where students or young adults monetize their living spaces, often by creating content or running small businesses from their dorms. It reflects the entr...
Many people are now engaging in dormitory economies, using their spaces to make money.
This phrase literally means 'makes me so angry I could die' and is used to express extreme frustration or annoyance. It's often employed in a hyperbolic manner, reflecting an exaggerated reaction to trivial annoyances.
He was late again today; it makes me so angry I could die!
Translating to 'refuse to yield even if beaten', this term describes a person who is determined and resilient despite adversity. It is often used to praise someone's strength of character.
Her spirit is unyielding even if beaten; we should learn from her.
Forever God / GOAT - An abbreviation of '永远的神' meaning 'eternal god'. Used to express extreme admiration, like saying something is the best ever.
This bubble tea shop is the GOAT! There's always a line.
Meaning 'repeating machine,' this term refers to someone who keeps repeating the same thing or idea, often seen in discussions or arguments. It implies that the person lacks original thoughts or is overly stubborn.
In the discussion, he was like a repeating machine, endlessly restating his viewpoint.
Translating to 'all night until dawn,' this phrase describes staying up all night, especially for activities like gaming or studying. It highlights a culture of late-night dedication and commitment.
For this project, I stayed up all night until dawn.
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.
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.
This phrase means 'return to reality' and is used to describe the need to stop daydreaming or being overly optimistic, often after a situation leads to disappointment. It implies a reminder to be pragmatic.
You can’t always fantasize about success; you need to return to reality.
Translating to 'not asking for others', this term describes a self-sufficient attitude where one prefers to rely on oneself rather than depend on others for help or support.
I prefer to be self-sufficient and solve my problems myself.
Translating to 'fishing for corpses,' this slang is used in the gaming community to describe the act of reviving teammates or rescuing them in dire situations. It's often said humorously as a metaphor for helping out.
I'm specifically fishing for corpses in the game, helping to revive my teammates.
This phrase means 'do it again,' often used when someone wants to hear or see something a second time, whether in a serious or humorous context. It can show enthusiasm or desire for repetition.
That joke was really funny; can you tell it again?
This phrase means 'emotionally collapsed,' often used when someone feels overwhelmed or burdened by stress or negative feelings. It expresses a state of emotional exhaustion.
I'm so tired from work today; I feel emotionally collapsed.
Translating to 'ordinary person,' this term describes someone who is not a celebrity or public figure, often used in discussions about relatability and authenticity.
The stories shared by these ordinary people are very real and touching.
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.
Literally 'melon seeds', this term is commonly used to describe someone who is watching a situation unfold, akin to a spectator. It reflects a casual attitude toward events, as if one is merely enjoying some snacks wh...
I’ll just be a spectator, enjoying the show.
Meaning 'fragile' or 'weak', this term is often used to describe someone who is emotionally sensitive. It has gained traction in discussions around mental health and vulnerability.
In this high-pressure society, many people feel fragile.
Translating to 'pet economy', this term refers to the growing market and trend of pet ownership and the associated consumerism, including pet care, products, and services. It highlights the cultural shift towards view...
The pet economy is growing larger now, and many people are willing to spend money on their pets.
Translates to 'smash cucumber,' and is used humorously to describe actions that are awkward or clumsy. It is often employed in a playful manner to diffuse embarrassing situations.
I was so clumsy at the gathering today, it was really embarrassing.
Translating to 'past star,' this term refers to celebrities who were once popular but are now forgotten or no longer in the spotlight. It is often used in gossiping about the entertainment industry.
His movie is considered a work of a has-been star, but it’s actually not bad.
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 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.
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.
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.
Meaning 'to suffer from a cruel hand,' this phrase is used humorously to describe situations where someone suffers a humorous or unfortunate fate at the hands of someone else. It often appears in a playful context.
At my friend's party, I suffered a cruel fate and was dragged to dance.
This term translates to 'model student' and is used to describe someone who excels in their studies or exhibits exemplary behavior. It reflects admiration for academic dedication and success.
He is always regarded as a model student in the class; everyone admires him.
Referring to the 'Old Man under the Moon,' a deity responsible for love in Chinese mythology. In modern usage, it symbolizes fate or destiny in romantic relationships and is often invoked humorously in discussions abo...
I hope the Old Man under the Moon can bring my lover and me together.
Translating to 'cloud cat-adoring', this term describes the act of enjoying or adoring cats online, often through social media. It reflects a growing trend of virtual pet ownership and appreciation.
Recently, I've been adoring cats online every day, and I feel particularly happy.
This phrase means 'let's start with a wave', often used when introducing something or initiating a discussion. It’s a playful way of engaging others.
Let's start the meeting with a warm-up.
Translating to 'stream of consciousness,' this term is used to describe a style of writing or expression that flows freely without a strict structure. It often reflects personal thoughts and feelings.
His article has a stream of consciousness feel, making it very pleasant to read.
Translating to 'to bury a landmine,' this phrase is used to describe setting a trap or creating a difficult situation for someone, especially in social media or personal interactions. It often carries a mischievous co...
He set a trap in the group, and everyone was amused by him.
This term means 'not understanding' and is often used humorously to express confusion or bewilderment in discussions, particularly when faced with complex or contradictory opinions.
Your logic really confuses me.
Literally 'giving away a person's head', this slang is used to describe situations in gaming where someone is easily defeated or gives up points to opponents, often in a humorous sense.
In this game, I really just gave away my points.
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.
Peerless master — a martial artist of supreme, unrivaled skill in wuxia fiction. Used online as enthusiastic hyperbole for anyone who is exceptionally good at anything — cooking, gaming, studying, even parking a car.
The speed at which he codes — he is an absolute peerless master!
This term translates to 'assist' and is frequently used in gaming or sports contexts to describe someone who helps another achieve success, particularly in scoring. It can also be used metaphorically in social situati...
She assisted me in this match, helping me win.
Translating to 'thick-skinned,' this slang is used to describe someone who is shameless or retains their confidence despite criticism. It’s often used humorously or sarcastically in various social contexts.
He’s really thick-skinned to even talk here.
Translating to 'black technology', this term refers to advanced, often innovative technologies that seem to defy conventional understanding. It’s used to describe cutting-edge trends, particularly in tech discussions.
The features of this phone are truly black technology.
Translating to 'home man/home woman', these terms refer to individuals who prefer staying at home and often engage in hobbies like gaming, watching movies, or reading. They are often associated with a subculture that ...
He's a typical home guy, spending weekends at home playing games.
Literally 'bad luck,' this term is used to express frustration over unfortunate events or circumstances. It conveys a sense of being jinxed or unfairly treated.
Today I’m really unlucky; I lost my wallet.
Translating to 'iron powder,' this term is used to describe extremely dedicated fans or enthusiasts of a specific celebrity, brand, or product. It signifies a strong loyalty to their interests.
He is a die-hard fan of a certain idol and keeps up with their updates every day.
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.
Translates to 'clever ghost,' referring to someone who is quick-witted and smart, often used as a compliment to describe sharp individuals.
She is really a clever ghost; she always comes up with great ideas.
Translating to 'brain teasers', this term refers to riddles or puzzles that require lateral thinking. It emphasizes wit and cleverness.
This brain teaser is really interesting; I thought about it for a long time.