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.
Translating to 'skill points', this term is often used in gaming contexts to refer to the attributes or skills a player can level up. It can also metaphorically refer to talents or strengths in real life.
I've added many skill points in this game.
This term means 'street vending' and describes the act of setting up a stall to sell goods or food, typically in a public space. It's often associated with entrepreneurship and the hustle culture.
I've decided to set up a stall this weekend to sell some handmade accessories.
Give me a break / oh come on — a Beijing dismissal used when you find something ridiculous or unbelievable. The classic Beijing way to shut down nonsense or call someone out for exaggerating without being outright rude.
You say you can lose twenty kilos in a month? Give me a break, stop joking.
Translating to 'I do things my way,' this phrase is used to express a strong sense of individuality and independence, often in contexts where one refuses to conform to societal expectations.
He always does things his way, never caring about others' opinions.
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.
Literally meaning 'unchanging for ten thousand years', this term is used to describe something that has remained constant or outdated. It is often used to mock traditions or outdated views in a humorous context.
His ideas are truly unchanged for ten thousand years; there’s no progress.
Translates to 'monthly salary tribe.' This term is used to refer to individuals who work for a fixed monthly salary and often live paycheck to paycheck. It highlights the struggles of many young workers in urban envir...
As a monthly salary tribe member, I budget carefully every month.
This term refers to 'formal or surface-level talk', often used to describe insincere pleasantries or polite expressions that lack genuine sentiment.
We said a lot of formalities at the gathering, but there wasn't much real communication.
This term comes from a popular meme character, Thomas the Tank Engine, and is used humorously to refer to someone who is naive or easily misled. It signifies innocence or lack of awareness.
He is really like a Thomas, too naive about the world.
I'm dead (from cuteness / shock / emotion) — abbreviation of 啊我死了 (ā wǒ sǐ le). Used when something is so cute, beautiful, or emotionally overwhelming that you "die" from it. The Chinese equivalent of "I'm deceased."
Saw their couple photo — AWSL, I'm dead, it's too sweet!
Meaning 'online', this term signifies being connected to the internet or active on social media. It's often used in discussions about presence in the digital space.
I'm online now; feel free to ask me anything.
This phrase translates to 'irresponsible' and describes behavior that lacks accountability, often seen humorously in social media discussions about careless actions.
His actions are truly irresponsible and have disappointed everyone.
Meaning 'the future is promising,' this term expresses hope and positivity about what lies ahead. It’s commonly used to encourage others or to express optimism.
Although there are difficulties now, I believe the future is promising.
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.
Literally meaning 'explode', in slang it describes something that is extremely exciting or impressive. It can be used to hype up events, news, or trends that gain sudden popularity.
This video is really explosive; the views have already surpassed a million!
Translating to 'steady happiness', this phrase captures the essence of a stable, reliable, and lasting relationship or contentment in life. It emphasizes the value of enduring love or satisfaction.
I want to share a steady happiness with him.
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.
Protecting life — used both in its traditional Buddhist sense of non-harm to all living beings and as a modern hashtag for animal rescue and conservation content. Spread widely as a caption for wildlife rescue videos ...
This is a genuine act of protecting life — not done for views.
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.
Translating to 'mass production,' this term describes the phenomenon of generating content quickly and frequently, often without much depth or quality. It critiques the oversaturation of low-quality media.
Many videos on platforms now are mass-produced and lack creativity.
Translating to 'lifting heavy as if light,' this term describes handling complex or difficult tasks with ease and confidence. It can be used to commend someone's skills or attitude.
She handles this project with such ease; it's impressive.
Translating to 'Singles' Day,' this term refers to a Chinese holiday celebrated on November 11th, where single people celebrate their status, often with shopping events. It reflects a cultural shift in how singlehood ...
Singles' Day is coming; businesses will have promotions again!
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.
Yeah, that's right / uh-huh — a distinctly Beijing affirmative sound used to agree, confirm, or acknowledge. More casual and warm than a standard 对 (correct). Unmistakably northern Chinese and a strong marker of genui...
You said we are meeting tomorrow? Uh-huh, I will message you then.
Meaning 'to question' or 'to doubt', this term is used when expressing skepticism about something, often in the context of discussions or news online. It reflects critical thinking in digital conversations.
I have some doubts about this news; I don't know if it's true.
Literally meaning 'one wave, three folds,' this phrase describes a situation or story that has many twists and turns. It is used to convey the complexity of events, especially in narratives or dramas.
This movie really had many twists; I didn't expect the ending to be like that.
This term translates to 'immortal operation' and refers to extraordinary skills or talents, especially in gaming or sports. It denotes actions that are exceptionally impressive or seemingly beyond the ordinary.
His skills are truly exceptional; they leave people in awe.
Translates to 'youth is invincible,' this phrase celebrates the energy and potential of youth. It's often used in motivational contexts or by younger generations to express confidence.
We are all invincible young people!
Translating to 'light of hope,' this term is used to describe anything that inspires optimism or positivity during tough times. It often refers to people, events, or ideas that uplift spirits.
In adversity, she has always been the light of hope for me.
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.
This term means 'warm' or 'buzzing with excitement,' often used to describe something that is fresh, trending, or lively, particularly in social or culinary contexts.
The dishes at this new restaurant are really buzzing with excitement; they taste great.
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.
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.
Literally meaning 'pufferfish,' this term is often used to describe something that is dangerous yet appealing, much like the dish made from pufferfish which can be toxic if not prepared correctly.
This adventure is like a pufferfish, both thrilling and dangerous.
Literally meaning 'ride the wind and break the waves,' this phrase conveys determination and courage in overcoming difficulties. Popularized by inspirational quotes and trending in motivational contexts.
On the path to pursuing our dreams, we must ride the wind and break the waves.
Translating to 'palm treasure,' this term is affectionately used to describe someone who is cherished or overly pampered, usually in a romantic or familial context. It conveys a sense of love and protectiveness.
She is my treasured one, and I will take good care of her.
This term translates to 'girly boy' and is used to refer to men who exhibit traits traditionally associated with femininity. While it can be used derogatorily, it has also been reclaimed by some who embrace a more flu...
He likes to wear makeup; everyone calls him a girly boy.
So broke you can hear the coins clinking — a vivid, humorous Beijing expression for extreme poverty. The image is your last few coins rattling around in an otherwise empty wallet. Used to describe being flat broke wit...
The week before payday I am so broke I can hear coins clinking — only eating steamed buns at home.
Meaning 'African rainbow,' this slang is used to humorously describe something that is unexpectedly vibrant or colorful, often in a surprising or ironic way. It highlights creativity in expression.
His outfit combination is truly an African rainbow; it’s so cool!
Originally referring to 'mousse' (the dessert), in internet slang, it often signifies someone who is fluffy or cute, especially in the context of pets or affectionate portrayals. It can also imply a sweet or light-hea...
This little kitten is such a mousse; it's so cute!
Translating to 'ice and fire, two different skies', this term describes situations that have extremely contrasting conditions or feelings, often used to highlight the duality in experiences, emotions, or outcomes.
Life is always ice and fire, making people feel extremes.
Translating to 'meat pie falling from the sky', this phrase refers to unexpected good fortune or luck, often in a sarcastic sense. It implies that one should not expect free gifts or success without hard work.
Success doesn’t come from meat pies falling from the sky; it requires hard work.
This term means 'narrow victory,' describing a situation where someone wins but only by a small margin. It reflects the tension of a close competition.
This match was a narrow victory; we won at the last moment.
Literally 'learn now and sell now', this phrase describes a situation where someone quickly learns a skill or information just to use it immediately, often used humorously regarding unpreparedness.
I went to the interview today, completely learning on the fly.
Literally means 'blender' or 'mixing person,' this humorous term is used to describe someone who does nothing productive but pretends to be busy or is a slacker. It often has a light-hearted, mocking tone.
He spends all day just being a slacker and doesn't work seriously at all.
Literally 'milk tea is top-notch', this phrase expresses a strong affection for milk tea, which is immensely popular among young people. It represents the culture of enjoying bubble tea outings.
Let's go have some top-notch milk tea today!
This term means 'to roll' and is used to describe the competitive pressure in various aspects of life, such as education or work. It reflects the feeling of being caught in an endless cycle of competition.
Students today are very competitive; everyone is studying hard.
This term refers to the overall atmosphere or vibe in a particular situation, often used in the context of social gatherings, art, or design. It highlights the importance of setting.
The atmosphere in this coffee shop is great, making me feel relaxed.
Hurry up / get on with it / let's go — abbreviation of 搞快点 (gǎo kuài diǎn), a Cantonese-influenced expression meaning "do it faster." Used to urge someone to speed up, often impatiently or excitedly.
The updates are so slow — GKD, hurry up!
Translating to 'one-man show,' this term is used to describe situations where someone is handling everything alone, often in a dramatic or overwhelming way. It’s used humorously when someone overworks themselves in so...
She is truly putting on a one-woman show, doing everything by herself.
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