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 'to exert strength', this term is used in the context of pushing hard to achieve a goal, often seen in discussions about work or competitions. It conveys a sense of urgency and motivation.
To get into a good university, I've been pushing hard lately.
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.
Means 'got cheated' or 'duped'. It’s frequently used to describe situations where someone feels they were misled or tricked, often in a light-hearted manner. This term has a playful undertone.
I bought a cheap item and ended up feeling cheated.
A playful take on 'small certainties of happiness', this term refers to minor annoyances or frustrations that come up in daily life, often with a humorous twist. It contrasts with the idea of cherishing small joys.
There are always minor annoyances in life that leave you both laughing and crying.
Literally 'planting trees', this term is used metaphorically to mean investing time or resources into something with the expectation of future benefits. It's often discussed in the context of personal development or f...
One should plant trees while young to prepare for the future.
Great god / Pro - An expert or highly skilled person.
Please help, pros!
Literally meaning 'licking the screen,' this term describes the act of being infatuated with something seen on a screen, like a cute character or attractive person. It's used humorously to express admiration or obsess...
Seeing her photo, I really couldn't help but lick the screen.
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.
Literally 'to throw bricks,' this term implies criticizing or challenging someone’s opinion or action. It’s often used in heated discussions, especially in online comment threads.
In the comments section, some people specifically come to throw bricks.
Translating to 'quickly accomplished,' this term refers to a fast-track approach to acquiring skills or knowledge, often associated with online courses or tutorials. It reflects the desire for efficiency in learning.
Quickly accomplished courses are becoming more and more popular now.
Translating to 'little dark horse', this term is used to describe a person or thing that unexpectedly gains popularity or success. It's often used in competitive contexts, such as sports or entertainment.
This singer unexpectedly became a dark horse, gaining fame shortly after debut.
Translating to 'vegetable market,' this term is often used to describe chaotic or loud situations. It reflects a humorous comparison to the bustling and noisy atmosphere of traditional markets.
This meeting is like a vegetable market; everyone is shouting.
Translating to 'walking dog,' this lighthearted term describes someone who casually moves around without a specific purpose or goal, often enjoying their time. It captures a laid-back attitude towards life.
Today, I’m just going to be a walking dog and stroll around casually.
Translating to 'horse stance,' this term describes a state of being calm, stable, and collected, especially under pressure. It's often used to encourage others to maintain composure.
Facing challenges, remember to stay calm and collected.
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 means 'strawberry tribe'. It refers to a generation perceived as overly sensitive or vulnerable, often relating to mental health awareness among Millennials and Gen Z.
Many members of the strawberry tribe are sensitive to social pressures and can easily become anxious.
Literally 'little milk dog', this term describes a younger man who is cute, affectionate, and often vulnerable, appealing to older women. It’s often used in dating contexts to denote someone playful and endearing.
He is really a little milk dog, always so gentle when chatting with girls.
Means 'to harshly criticize or tear apart'. This slang is often used when reviewing content—movies, games, etc.—that doesn't meet expectations, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner.
This movie is really harshly criticized; it's not worth watching at all.
Translating to 'the age of friendship', it describes the duration of a friendship in a sentimental way. It's often used to express how long two people have known each other and reflects on shared memories.
Our age of friendship has already exceeded ten years.
White lotus - Someone who pretends to be pure and innocent.
She pretends to be innocent but is very calculating.
Refers to 'tea culture,' which encompasses the traditions and practices surrounding tea consumption, including ceremonies and appreciation. This term expresses a lifestyle choice centered around enjoying tea.
We should promote tea culture more and let more people experience its charm.
Translating to 'food blogger', this term refers to individuals who create content around food, including reviews, recipes, and cooking videos. It reflects the rise of food culture in social media.
She is a popular food blogger who shares many delicious recipes.
The term refers to characters from a popular Chinese animated series, often used in a nostalgic or affectionate context. It can also imply being quirky or unique.
I loved watching the葫芦娃 cartoons when I was a child.
This term means 'to play e-sports.' It represents the growing culture around competitive gaming and the serious dedication many players have towards it, mixing both entertainment and professional aspirations.
He plays e-sports every day, dreaming of becoming a professional player.
Literally 'cherry', this term is commonly used in internet slang to refer to something that is expensive or high-class, often highlighting a sense of exaggeration about luxury items. It can also connote elitism.
His bag is truly high-class; it makes me so envious.
Meaning 'cloud travel,' this term refers to enjoying travel experiences online, such as virtual tours or travel vlogs, particularly during times when physical travel is restricted. It reflects a newfound way of experi...
During the pandemic, I could only rely on cloud travel to satisfy my desire to travel.
Translating to 'surfing online,' this term refers to casually browsing the internet without a specific goal or purpose. It's often associated with relaxation and leisure time.
I had nothing to do today, so I just surfed online to see what's new.
This term means 'joke' or 'story' and refers to short, humorous anecdotes often shared online. They are typically punchy and designed to elicit laughter quickly.
This joke is so funny!
Literally means 'to wave up'. It describes having fun, going with the flow, or living in the moment, often associated with carefree attitudes.
It's a holiday today; I want to have fun and enjoy myself.
Translating to 'silly grin', this phrase refers to someone who is overly cheerful or carefree, often inappropriately so, creating a sense of annoyance in serious contexts.
It's too inappropriate for you to be grinning goofily here.
Meaning 'premature consumption', this term describes the trend of spending money before actually having it, often seen in the context of credit cards and online shopping. It reflects a consumer culture focused on inst...
Many young people are engaging in premature consumption these days.
Liquidity - How easily an asset can be traded without affecting price.
This coin has poor liquidity, hard to buy or sell.
This term mimics the sound of clapping or slapping and is often used in playful contexts, particularly to describe relationships or sexual innuendos. It's a humorous way to refer to physical intimacy.
They were intimate last night again, which is really enviable.
Translating to 'patting the horse’s rump,' this term refers to flattery or sycophancy, especially in a workplace setting. It has a negative connotation and implies insincerity.
He always flatters others to try to get promoted.
This term translates to 'homebody' and refers to someone who prefers staying at home, often indulging in activities like gaming, watching anime, or browsing the internet. It's often embraced playfully by those who ide...
On weekends, I’m a homebody, spending the whole day at home watching shows.
Speechless - Having no words due to shock or disbelief.
His actions left me speechless.
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.
Meaning 'replicate' or 'reproduce', this term is often used in the context of fashion, art, or gaming, indicating the act of recreating a popular style or concept. It reflects a trend towards nostalgia and homage.
These shoes are replicas of a classic model, and everyone loves them.
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.
Translating to 'against the heavens,' this phrase describes something that is exceptionally good or impressive, often used in the context of talent or achievement.
His performance in the competition was truly out of this world!
Bronze - Lowest rank, used to mock bad players.
Your moves are so bronze level.
This phrase translates to 'monthly salary of ten thousand' and refers to a desirable income level that many young professionals aspire to achieve. It symbolizes financial success.
I hope to earn a monthly salary of ten thousand after I start working and live the life I want.
Translating to 'explosive package', it refers to a person or situation that is highly unpredictable or volatile, often leading to sudden outbursts or dramatic changes. It's often used in a humorous context.
She's such an explosive package; who knows what will happen today.
Literally means 'competing for affection,' often used to describe rivalry among friends or fans for someone's attention. It can be humorous or reflective of genuine competition.
There are always people competing for affection among us, but I know we’re all friends.
Translating to 'thank you for your experience', this phrase is often used sarcastically to express sympathy for someone who has faced hardship or failure, especially in the context of online discussions. It serves as ...
His story is so tragic; I can only say thank you for your experience.
Scumbag girl / Player - A woman who plays with feelings.
She is a player, dating three guys at once.
This term means 'paradise on earth' and is used to describe breathtakingly beautiful places. It can also convey a sense of tranquility and beauty in the chaos of life.
This place is truly a paradise on earth, making people reluctant to leave.
Translating to 'as long as you're happy', this phrase emphasizes the importance of happiness over other measures of success or achievement, reflecting a carefree attitude.
No matter what others say, as long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.
Translates to 'internet hot words', this term refers to trending phrases that gain popularity on social media, often seen as representative of current youth culture and communication.
Many new internet hot words have emerged this year.
This term means 'to dress up' or 'to adorn oneself'. It highlights the cultural emphasis on appearance, especially in social situations, and is often used in discussions about fashion or personal grooming.
Today, I've 'dressed up' particularly well, getting ready for the gathering.