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 '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.
Literally 'great escape,' this term refers to a clever or cunning way to avoid responsibilities or obligations. It can also signify a fun escape from routine life.
Today, I've decided to escape and go traveling with friends!
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.
Translating to 'cloud raising', this term refers to the phenomenon of 'raising' pets or animals online without physically owning them. It reflects the way people engage with pets through social media and streaming.
I am 'raising' a cat online and check its updates every day.
This term means 'online love' and refers to romantic relationships that develop through the internet. It reflects the growing trend of virtual relationships in modern society.
They started their online love through social media.
Translating to 'to act as one wishes,' this phrase reflects a carefree and independent attitude towards life. It's used to describe pursuing one's desires without constraints.
One should live as they wish, without worrying about others' opinions.
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.
Translates to 'party animal.' It describes someone who loves to party and enjoys social gatherings. This term emphasizes a fun-loving and outgoing personality.
She's such a party animal; she's at a different party every weekend.
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 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 'fight monsters', this term is used in gaming contexts to describe battling enemies. It conveys the excitement and challenges faced during gameplay.
I'm planning to fight monsters with my friends tonight.
Depressed vibes - Feeling hopeless and unmotivated.
Feeling depressed lately, do not want to do anything.
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.
Translating to 'cultural export', this term refers to the phenomenon of promoting or sharing cultural elements, including music, fashion, or trends, to a broader audience. It's often used to highlight globalization.
The popularity of Korean dramas is a form of cultural export.
Gas fee - Transaction fees on blockchain networks like Ethereum.
Gas fees are too expensive, a transfer costs tens of yuan.
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.
Translating to 'Milk Tea Sisters', this term is used to describe close friends who bond over their love for bubble tea. It emphasizes friendship and shared experiences.
Tonight, I'm going to drink bubble tea with my milk tea sisters.
Meaning 'body, mind, and spirit', this term emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being, promoting balance in physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual fulfillment. It's often discussed in wellness and self-help...
I've been focusing on the balance of body, mind, and spirit lately.
Translates to 'super capable', this term is often used to describe individuals who excel in their domains or possess extraordinary skills. It's used as a compliment in both work and social contexts.
She is super capable; she does well in all her projects.
Translating to 'rather than saying', this term is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with common opinions or beliefs. It encourages deeper thinking about a topic.
Rather than saying he’s not working hard, it’s better to say he’s very tired.
This term refers to a style or trend that enhances the mood or atmosphere of a social setting, often used in discussions about aesthetics in online content. It reflects the importance of vibe in video or photo sharing.
The aesthetic of these photos is great; it feels very atmospheric.
Meaning 'selling anxiety,' this phrase describes the phenomenon where media or influencers generate fear or worry to sell products or ideas. It critiques marketing tactics that exploit people's fears.
Many ads sell anxiety and make people feel pressured.
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 '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 phrase translates to 'push down and start over', referring to the act of completely redoing something from scratch. It reflects a desire for a fresh start.
This project has failed; I've decided to start over from scratch.
Translating to 'the heart moves,' this is used to express feelings of love or attraction when one feels a flutter in their heart. It's often used in romantic contexts, particularly among young people.
The moment I saw him, my heart raced.
Translates to 'steady and solid,' this term is used to describe someone's reliable nature or approach, particularly in financial or work contexts. It suggests stability and measured decision-making.
He performs very steadily at work and is trustworthy.
Meaning 'bottomless pit,' this term describes something that continuously consumes resources or attention without any apparent return. It can refer to financial investments, time drains, or even emotional energy.
This project is like a bottomless pit; the more we invest, the more it consumes.
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!
Translating to 'indifference cancer,' this term describes a person who is emotionally detached and shows a lack of empathy or concern. It suggests a societal critique of apathy.
I feel like he has a bit of indifference cancer, always apathetic about things around him.
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?