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 translates to 'don’t hold me up to be killed,' and it expresses a humorous request for others not to overly praise or elevate someone, which can lead to unrealistic expectations.
Don’t hold me up to be killed; I’m actually not that amazing.
Means 'absolutely' or 'definitely', it emphasizes certainty or confidence in a statement. It’s often used to express agreement or assurance.
This plan is definitely going to succeed.
Translating to 'wronged type', this slang refers to someone who is taken advantage of or mistreated, often used in a humorous way to describe naiveté or bad luck.
He’s truly a wronged type; he’s always being bullied.
Literally meaning 'overturning the boat', this term is a metaphor for failure or a disastrous outcome, often used humorously to describe unexpected mishaps in life or work. It signifies a fun way to acknowledge setbacks.
His plan went awry; it’s truly a mix of laughter and tears.
This term translates to 'losing followers' and refers to the phenomenon when a social media account experiences a reduction in its number of followers, often due to controversial posts or unpopular content. It reflect...
He recently posted some controversial content, which led to quite a few people unfollowing him.
This term, meaning 'to soar' or 'fly,' metaphorically refers to pursuing dreams or ambitions without limits. It's often used in motivational contexts.
Let’s soar together and pursue our dreams!
Translating to 'sticking points,' it refers to specific moments or transitions in videos or performances that are particularly striking or memorable.
This video has a few sticking points that are unforgettable.
Referring to 'newbies' or beginners on Douyin (TikTok in China), this term is often used lightheartedly to describe someone who is new to creating or consuming content. It encompasses the learning curve involved in na...
As a Douyin newbie, I’m still learning how to shoot videos.
Translating to 'dancing on a treadmill,' this humorous metaphor describes someone who is active but not productive, often used to refer to busy individuals who are metaphorically 'running in place.'
I feel like I'm dancing on a treadmill every day, accomplishing nothing.
Meaning 'open one’s mind', this slang refers to creative or out-of-the-box thinking. It often encourages innovative ideas or unconventional solutions.
In this project, we need to open our minds and find new methods.
This term translates to 'relatives' and is often used humorously to refer to a large, chaotic family gathering or any situation that feels overwhelming due to many familial obligations.
During the Spring Festival, all the relatives came over; it was really lively.
Translating to 'intermittent unemployment,' this term humorously describes the phenomenon of young people switching jobs frequently or being on short-term contracts. It reflects the gig economy's impact on job stability.
In this era, intermittent unemployment seems to have become quite normal.
Translating to 'set off again,' this phrase is used to encourage resilience and starting anew after setbacks. It embodies a hopeful and positive outlook on facing challenges.
Failure is okay; what's important is to set off again.
Meaning 'small short legs,' it's often used affectionately to refer to pets or friends who are seen as cute but not very agile. It can also describe romantic partners humorously.
My dog is really a little short-legged; it runs too slowly.
This term means 'to grasp' or 'to control,' and in internet slang, it refers to someone skillfully managing a situation or conversation. It implies a sense of confidence and mastery in social interactions.
He can always grasp everyone's emotions at gatherings, and the atmosphere is great.
Literally meaning 'not fussing about details,' this term describes a laid-back attitude towards life or situations, often implying a sense of carelessness or nonchalance that can be endearing or frustrating depending ...
He lives quite casually, just going with the flow.
Translating to 'covering the face,' this term is used to express embarrassment or disbelief, especially in response to something awkward or cringe-worthy.
I am really covering my face; I didn't expect him to say that.
Meaning 'Twitter culture,' this term describes the behaviors, trends, and dynamics that arise from using Twitter and similar platforms. It reflects the impact of social media on communication and culture.
Many people now follow Twitter culture.
Literally meaning 'stir-fried squid', this term refers to being fired from a job. It often carries a humorous tone, implying that the situation isn't as serious as it seems. It’s commonly used among younger profession...
I heard he got fired, but he seems quite relaxed about it.
Literally meaning 'to wash white', this term refers to efforts to redeem someone’s image or reputation, often after a scandal or controversy. It implies a deliberate clean-up to regain public favor.
He is trying to redeem himself on social media, working hard to restore his image.
This phrase literally means 'collapse in place' and describes a sudden emotional breakdown or overwhelming stress. It often conveys a humorous or exaggerated reaction to disappointing situations.
Hearing this news made me collapse in place.
This term translates to 'forced to spend money', referring to the pressure gamers feel to spend money in mobile games to gain advantages. It highlights a common frustration in gaming communities.
This game forces spending too much; I can’t take it anymore.
Meaning 'goose group', this term describes a close-knit online group sharing related interests, often used among fans and content creators. It emphasizes community and shared passion.
I joined a goose group where everyone discusses their favorite anime.
Literally meaning 'rattan', this term is used to describe someone who is strict or unyielding, often in a humorous context. It can refer to parents, teachers, or anyone exhibiting strict behavior.
The teacher is really strict, making such stringent rules.
Translates to 'deify' or 'canonize'. It's used to describe someone or something that has achieved legendary status or is being praised extravagantly. This is often used in the context of idolizing celebrities or influ...
This singer-dancer has been deified online.
Translating to 'sense of loss', this term describes feelings of disappointment or melancholy, often in relation to unmet expectations in life, work, or relationships. It's commonly discussed in mental health contexts.
I felt a strong sense of loss after failing the exam.
Literally meaning 'passerby A', this term refers to an anonymous person or a minor character within a story or situation. It's often used to highlight someone who is not significant to the main action.
In this storm, I'm just an anonymous onlooker and have no say.
Internet celebrity / Influencer - Someone famous on social media.
She is a food influencer with one million followers.
Meaning 'stunned' or 'amazed,' this term expresses extreme surprise or disbelief. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, often to emphasize unexpected reactions.
I was really stunned to see him win the grand prize.
Soul leaving the body describes a state of extreme excitement or joy where one feels disconnected from reality. It's often used humorously to express overwhelming feelings.
Upon hearing this good news, I felt like my soul left my body!
This term refers to individuals who take charge of their own lives and responsibilities, often used ironically to describe the struggles of adulting. It reflects the challenges faced by young adults trying to be indep...
I strive to be a self-sufficient adult, but I still find it very challenging.
Meaning 'nightmare,' this term is often used metaphorically to describe a bad experience or a troublesome situation in life, not limited to actual dreams.
This week's work has been a nightmare.
Translating to 'crossing the fire line', this term is used in gaming contexts to describe overcoming difficult challenges or levels in a game. It symbolizes persistence in the face of adversity.
To win the game, I must cross the fire line!
This term mimics crying sounds and is used in online communication to express sadness, frustration, or feeling touched. It's common in casual chats and comments.
Today's story was so touching that I couldn't help but cry.
This term mimics a cat's meow and is often used in a playful or cute way to express excitement or affection. It can be used to communicate endearment among friends or in a flirty context.
You look really good today, meow!
Translating to 'child of fortune', this term describes someone who is exceptionally lucky or successful, often appearing to attract good fortune effortlessly.
He is truly a child of fortune; whatever he does seems to succeed.
Meaning 'popular language', this term refers to phrases, idioms, or expressions that gain widespread usage, often through social media. It's indicative of current trends in communication.
Popular language changes quickly nowadays; if you can't keep up, you'll seem outdated.
Translating to 'harvest,' this term is used metaphorically to describe reaping benefits or rewards, often after hard work or effort. It's popular in business and investment discussions.
After months of hard work, it's time to reap the rewards.
Translating to 'aesthetic fatigue,' this term describes the feeling of being overwhelmed or bored by a repetitive style or trend. It reflects the fast-changing nature of beauty standards in media.
Today's fashion makes me feel aesthetic fatigue; it’s always the same style.
Liquidity - How easily an asset can be traded without affecting price.
This coin has poor liquidity, hard to buy or sell.
Translating to 'smash walnuts,' this phrase means to make a big effort for little reward. It's used to describe situations where one puts in a lot of work but gets minimal results, often used humorously.
This report was really a waste of effort; it took me a lot of time.
Translating to 'dad power', this term describes a man who demonstrates strength, stability, and care, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. It's used to celebrate fatherly qualities in a playful manner.
He has a strong sense of dad power, always taking care of his family.
This term means 'acting spoiled' or 'being cutesy,' usually to elicit affection or favor from others. It's often used in playful contexts, especially in romantic relationships.
He always likes to act cutesy to make me soft-hearted.
Translating to 'happy explosion', this term expresses overwhelming happiness or excitement, often in response to good news or events. It captures the essence of joy in an exaggerated and playful way.
Hearing her good news made me so happy I could burst!
Literally 'dog food,' this slang term refers to public displays of affection between couples that make single people feel left out or envious.
Their affection is like dog food, making me, a single dog, feel helpless.
Translates to 'guaranteed to be popular.' This term is used to describe a trend, product, or content that is expected to gain a lot of attention or 'go viral.'
The plot of this TV series is so exciting; it's guaranteed to be popular!
Translating to 'age of looking at faces,' this term highlights the cultural emphasis on physical appearance, especially in social settings like dating or job hunting.
In this age of looking at faces, appearance is really important.
This term translates to 'whispered words' and refers to intimate conversations, typically shared in secret. It evokes a sense of closeness and trust between individuals.
Let’s share a secret conversation.
Translating to 'nine-square grid', this term refers to a popular format for sharing images, especially on social media. It often features curated photos or memes arranged in a grid.
This nine-square grid photo is very creative.
This term means 'workaholic,' referring to someone who is extremely dedicated to their job at the expense of their personal life. It is often used to describe those who wear their workaholism as a badge of honor, but ...
He is really a workaholic, working overtime until late every night.