Chinese Slang: 14 Words Locals Actually Use
Chinese slang is a lively part of everyday conversation that textbooks often overlook. It reflects the culture and humor of the people, making communication more relatable and fun. Learning slang can help you sound more natural and connect better with locals.
Slang sticks when you say it
Reading a slang list does nothing. Say these out loud and get corrected. That is how real Chinese lands.
14 Chinese slang words worth knowing
| Slang | Say it | What it means | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 666 used to praise something impressive 这部电影真666！ (This movie is really awesome!) | awesome or cool | ||
| 吃瓜 often used when observing a situation without getting involved 我在吃瓜，等着看结果。 (I'm just watching the drama unfold, waiting for the outcome.) | chi gua | to watch a drama unfold or gossip | |
| 萌 used to describe something that is charming 这只小狗太萌了！ (This puppy is so cute!) | meng | cute or adorable | |
| 土豪 often used humorously to describe flashy rich people 他真是个土豪，买了辆豪车。 (He's such a rich guy, he bought a luxury car.) | tu hao | wealthy person with bad taste | |
| 放鸽子 used when someone fails to show up as promised 他又放我鸽子了。 (He stood me up again.) | fang ge zi | to stand someone up or cancel plans | |
| 加油 used to encourage someone during a challenge 你可以的，加油！ (You can do it, keep going!) | jia you | to cheer someone on or keep going | |
| 老司机 can refer to someone knowledgeable about a particular subject 他是个老司机，知道很多内幕。 (He's an experienced guy, knows a lot of insider info.) | lao si ji | experienced person, often in a humorous or suggestive context | |
| 心塞 used to express emotional discomfort 最近的工作让我心塞。 (Recent work has been frustrating for me.) | xin sai | feeling frustrated or heartbroken | |
| 吃土 literally means 'eating dirt', used humorously 这个月我又要吃土了。 (I'm going to be broke again this month.) | chi tu | to be broke or financially struggling | |
| 小确幸 refers to little joys in life 喝杯咖啡就是我的小确幸。 (Having a cup of coffee is my small happiness.) | xiao que xing | small but certain happiness | |
| 打卡 used for social media check-ins or attendance 我今天打卡在这个餐厅。 (I'm checking in at this restaurant today.) | da ka | to check in or clock in | |
| 无聊 used to describe a lack of interest 今天真无聊。 (Today is so boring.) | wu liao | bored or boring | |
| 神仙 often used to compliment someone's skills 他打篮球真神仙。 (He's a basketball genius.) | shen xian | a person who is exceptionally good at something | |
| 翻车 often used in a humorous context 这次考试我翻车了。 (I totally messed up this exam.) | fan che | to fail or mess up |
Don't just read it. Say it.
Slang you only read stays dead. The point of slang is sounding natural out loud, and you only get there by speaking. SPAIKING lets you practice real Chinese with a coach that listens and corrects you in real time. Two free conversations to start, no card.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to use slang in formal situations?
Generally, it's best to avoid slang in formal settings like business meetings or academic presentations.