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
Meaning 'without boundaries', this term is used to describe situations or relationships that lack clear limits, often leading to complications or confusion. It highlights the importance of establishing boundaries.
Our relationship is somewhat boundary-less and needs to be clarified.
This slang term means 'to jump dance' and refers to going out to clubs or parties to dance, especially to electronic music. It reflects a youthful culture focused on nightlife and entertainment.
I plan to go dancing at a club this weekend to relax.
Translating to 'society's livestock,' this slang refers to people who are heavily overworked, often losing their individuality to the grind of corporate culture. It humorously implies that individuals are like livesto...
I feel like I've become society's livestock, having almost no time to rest.
Translating to 'hard to accept,' this term expresses feelings of dissatisfaction and a sense of injustice, often used in commentary on life events or social issues. It can also relate to emotional struggles.
He really finds it hard to accept this situation.
This term means 'black red', describing someone who gains notoriety or fame through negative attention or controversies. It emphasizes the paradox of becoming popular for not-so-positive reasons.
Even though she’s gained fame for negative reasons lately, her fans still support her.
Literally means 'chicken baby.' It describes parents who excessively push their children to excel academically or in extracurricular activities, often leading to stress and anxiety. It’s a critical term towards high-p...
Many parents are pushing their children too hard, putting too much pressure on them.
This term translates to 'competitive spirit' and refers to the drive and motivation someone has to strive and excel, often used in contexts of ambition and determination.
In the competition, everyone displayed their competitive spirit.
Translating to 'trendy person,' this term describes individuals who are deeply engaged with fashion, lifestyle, and contemporary culture, often setting trends. It's used to denote admiration or envy of someone's style.
She’s truly a trendy person and always dresses in a particularly fashionable way.
Translating to 'cloud gaming,' this term refers to playing video games via streaming services without the need for high-end hardware. It signifies the modern shift in gaming culture.
Many young people now play cloud games; they're convenient and fun.
Literally 'Mandarin Duck Pot', this term refers to a type of hot pot with two different soup bases. It's used to express a preference for diversity or compromise in situations, especially in relationships or social ga...
Let's go have a Mandarin Duck Pot tonight; everyone has different tastes, and we can share.
Translating to 'treasure balance', this term refers to a popular financial product in China that allows users to earn interest on their idle money while keeping it accessible. It reflects a growing trend of digital fi...
I keep my living expenses in the treasure balance; it’s safe and can earn some interest.
Literally meaning 'instant noodle culture,' this term describes a lifestyle characterized by convenience, often linked to quick meals and the fast pace of modern life. It highlights the practicality embraced by many y...
Young people today enjoy instant noodle culture; they're too busy to cook.
Translating to 'little partners,' this term is affectionately used to refer to friends or companions. It conveys a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Today I'm going out with my little partners for some fun.
Literally meaning 'awkward cancer', it humorously describes someone who feels intense embarrassment or discomfort in awkward situations. It's often used jokingly among friends.
He told a corny joke at the party, and everyone felt he had awkward cancer.
Translating to 'leisure time', this term is used to describe moments dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. It emphasizes the importance of taking breaks in a busy lifestyle.
I enjoy reading or watching movies during my leisure time.
Social anxiety - Fear of social situations.
I have social anxiety, do not want to go out.
Meaning 'scream', this term is often used in a playful context to express excitement or joy, especially in reaction to unexpected good news or events. It captures an overwhelming burst of emotion.
When I saw this cute photo, I couldn't help but scream.
Literally 'straight male cancer,' it refers to stereotypical behaviors exhibited by some heterosexual men, particularly regarding sexism or lack of emotional intelligence. It’s often used critically in social discussi...
His views make me feel he has some straight male cancer.
Literally meaning 'to charge,' this term has evolved to mean 'to recharge oneself' or 'to take a break.' It is often used when someone needs to rest or recover energy.
I'm too tired from work; I need a few days to recharge.
Translating to 'falling into a pit', this term metaphorically describes becoming deeply invested in a hobby or fandom, often to the point of obsession. It highlights the immersive nature of modern interests.
I accidentally fell into the pit; I'm completely addicted to this game.
This term translates to 'unfollow' and is commonly used when someone no longer supports a celebrity or public figure. It reflects changing opinions and the fleeting nature of fandom.
She decided to unfollow because of some scandals, and everyone was shocked.
Literally 'vulture tribe', this term refers to young adults who rely on their parents for financial support, often without making an effort to be independent. It reflects societal concerns about younger generations' a...
I have many vulture tribe members around me; I really don’t know when they will become independent.
Translating to 'divine reply,' this term is used to describe a witty or clever response to a question or comment, often seen in online discussions.
His comment is such a divine reply; it made me laugh.
This term translates to 'loss culture' and refers to a subculture characterized by pessimism and a humorous outlook on life's struggles. It's often used to bond over shared feelings of loss or disappointment.
The recent loss culture trend is interesting; everyone is sharing their sadness.
While it literally means 'to pack', online it refers to the idea of taking your belongings or an experience with you, often used in the context of relationships or friendships as a metaphor for moving on.
I've decided to pack up past relationships and start a new life.
Translating to 'don't ask me', this phrase is typically used as a humorous way to avoid a question or to imply that the answer is complicated or embarrassing. It's often a part of meme culture.
My life has been too complicated lately; don’t ask me.
This term means 'health preservation' and refers to practices aimed at maintaining or enhancing one's health, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. It has gained popularity among young people seeking a bala...
Nowadays, everyone talks about health preservation; I also want to start eating healthily.
Literally 'to flip the table,' it conveys feelings of frustration or anger, often used humorously to express a dramatic reaction to an irritating situation.
I’m about to flip the table; this problem is too complicated!
Translates to 'weak chicken', it's a self-deprecating term used to describe oneself or someone else as weak or not skilled, often humorously in the context of gaming or competition.
I'm just a weak chicken, I can't beat them.
Meaning 'sprint,' this term is used to describe putting in extra effort, especially during last-minute attempts to complete a task or achieve a goal, often in academic or sports contexts.
The sprint phase right before the exam is the hardest.
Literally meaning 'salt system', this term describes a style or trend that is characterized by coolness and a touch of sarcasm. It denotes a certain ‘sassy’ attitude and aesthetic.
His style is really salty, giving off a cool vibe.
Literally 'Little Red Book,' it refers to a popular social media platform in China focused on lifestyle sharing, particularly in fashion and beauty. It's often used interchangeably with the app's name.
I saw this new product on Little Red Book, and I think it's great.
Meaning 'useless wood,' this term humorously describes someone who feels incompetent or unable to succeed in a given situation. It can be used self-deprecatingly or towards others.
I feel like I've become useless lately.
Translating to 'high probability,' this term is often used to discuss likely outcomes in various situations, from decision-making to predictions about events. It conveys a rational approach to uncertainty.
The outcome of this match is likely to be a draw.
This term means 'to become popular' or 'to go viral.' It’s used when someone or something gains sudden fame, especially on social media platforms.
This video went viral online.
Translating to 'to watch from the sidelines,' this term describes the act of observing a situation, particularly when others are involved in a conflict or drama, often without participating.
Everyone is just watching this incident unfold on Weibo.
This term translates to 'create jokes or memes' and is used to describe the act of coming up with humorous content or clever references, especially online. It reflects the creativity within internet culture.
He can always come up with jokes quickly, making everyone laugh out loud.
A metaphorical expression meaning 'robbing Peter to pay Paul', it describes a situation where one solves a problem by creating another. This is often used in discussions about resource management.
This plan is just robbing Peter to pay Paul; it has no long-term strategy.
Translating to 'in front of the screen', this term refers to viewers or users who are engaged with content on their devices. It often addresses the audience directly in digital communications.
Dear friends in front of the screen, what do you think about this matter?
Literally 'adding oil to the fire,' this idiom is used to describe making a situation worse by contributing to it negatively. It implies that someone is exacerbating an already volatile situation.
What he said was just adding oil to the fire, making the argument even more intense.
This term means 'stuffing money' and is often used to describe the act of spending money excessively, particularly to impress others or gain favor. It highlights consumerism and status culture.
He always likes to stuff money on luxury goods; he is really wealthy.
Meaning 'to strive hard', this term describes the relentless effort and hustle that individuals put into their careers or ambitions, often used to commend hard work in a competitive society.
In this city, striving hard is a part of everyone's daily life.
Meaning 'super awesome', this term is an enthusiastic way to express admiration or appreciation for something, often used in reviews or recommendations.
This movie is really super awesome!
Meaning 'easy' or 'relaxed,' this term is often used to describe something that is not stressful or challenging. It can also imply a carefree attitude toward life.
Today's work is quite easy.
This term means 'to stroll' or 'to wander around,' often used to describe a relaxed outing or leisurely activity. It connotes a carefree lifestyle.
Let's take a stroll in the park today.
This phrase literally means 'let's go together,' often used to express solidarity and companionship in various contexts. It's a common expression used among friends or in social engagements.
Let's go together; don't go alone.
Translating to 'dynamics', this term is often used to refer to updates, posts, or news about someone, especially in a social media context. It’s used to engage followers and keep them informed.
She has posted many updates on social media recently.
Translating to 'do as one pleases', this term expresses a carefree attitude toward life, often used to describe someone living freely without regard for social norms or pressures.
I just want to do as I please and not be constrained.
Meaning 'to compare', this term is generally used in a negative context when people measure their success or possessions against others. It reflects societal pressures and competitiveness.
In this society, the phenomenon of comparison is becoming more serious.
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?