Top 10 Chinese Slang You Need to Know
Learning Chinese isn’t just about mastering grammar—it’s about keeping up with the latest slang! Here are some of the most popular phrases in 2024 that will make your Mandarin sound more authentic and help you connect with native speakers in a fun way.
1. 社死 Shè sǐ - Social Death
Imagine tripping on stage or accidentally sending a private message to your boss—this is the kind of awkwardness “social death” refers to. The term exploded on Chinese social media, often paired with cringeworthy or hilarious mishaps.
• Example: “今天在地铁上大喊手机掉了，结果手机在手上，社死了！”
Today I shouted on the subway that I lost my phone, but it was in my hand—total social death!
2. 摆烂 Bǎi làn - Let It Rot
A phrase for when life gets tough, and you just… give up. Whether it’s failing an exam or losing in a video game, bǎi làn has become the ultimate expression of resignation.
• Example: “考试复习不下去了，摆烂吧！”
I can’t study for this test anymore—let it rot!
3. 上头 Shàng tóu - Addictive
Used to describe something so engaging it “gets in your head,” like a binge-worthy show, a catchy song, or a dramatic relationship.
• Example: “这部剧太上头了，我一口气看完了！”
This show is so addictive—I watched it all in one go!
4. 凡尔赛文学 Fán’ěrsài wénxué - Versailles Literature
This playful term refers to humblebragging, where someone pretends to complain but is really showing off. Inspired by the extravagant lifestyles associated with Versailles.
• Example: “每天开豪车好累哦，停车位太小了。”
It’s so exhausting driving my luxury car every day—the parking spaces are too small.
5. Emo È mó - Feeling Down
Borrowed from English but now fully integrated into Chinese, emo is shorthand for being moody or in a bad place emotionally.
• Example: “考试成绩出来了，不及格，我emo了。”
The test results are out, and I failed—I’m so emo.
6. 拿捏了 Ná niē le - Nailed It
This slang phrase is used to show confidence when you’ve done something perfectly or handled a situation like a pro.
• Example: “这次的演讲，我拿捏了！”
I totally nailed this speech!
7. YYDS Yǒngyuǎn de shén - Forever God
An abbreviation for 永远的神 (yǒngyuǎn de shén), meaning “forever a legend” or “GOAT” (greatest of all time). It’s often used to praise someone or something highly.
• Example: “周杰伦真是YYDS！”
Jay Chou is truly the GOAT!
8. 内卷 Nèi juǎn - Over-competition
Originally an academic term, this describes intense competition that feels pointless—like working extra hours just because everyone else is doing it.
• Example: “公司里的竞争太内卷了，大家都在加班，想升职的压力山大。”
The competition at the company is so intense, everyone is working overtime, and the pressure to get promoted is overwhelming.
9. 好家伙 Hǎo jiāhuo - Good Guy
A sarcastic way to express surprise or amazement, often used in a joking tone when something absurd happens.
• Example: “好家伙，他一晚上吃了五碗面！”
Good guy, he ate five bowls of noodles in one night!
10. 躺平 Tǎng píng - Lying Flat
A term for embracing minimal effort and rejecting societal pressure to overachieve. It became a viral movement, especially among young people.
• Example: “现在只想躺平，不想努力了。”
I just want to lie flat and stop trying so hard.