Top 10 Chinese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

Think you’re fluent in Mandarin just because you’ve mastered “ni hao” and “xie xie”? Not so fast! To truly impress your new friends in Great China, you’ll need more than textbook phrases – you’ll need the kind of Mandarin slang that unlocks real connections and everyday conversations. 

These top 10 Mandarin slang words will have you sounding less like a tourist and more like a local legend. Ready to level up your street cred? Let’s jump right in! 

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Top 5 Chinese Slang Words 

Let's start with the essentials! These top 5 Chinese slang words are the perfect way to break the ice, keep up in casual conversations, and show off your growing language skills. Whether you’re hanging out with classmates or exploring the city, these words will help you navigate daily life like a pro. 

Chinese Slang Word #1: 卷 (juǎn)  

Meaning: “To overwork or hustle too hard” 

Used to describe people caught in a rat race or pushing themselves too hard, like overstudying or being overly competitive. 

For example: “别卷了，休息一下吧!” (Bié juǎn le, xiūxi yīxià ba!) – "Don’t overwork yourself, take a break!" 

Chinese Slang Word #2: 吃土 (chī tǔ) 

Meaning: “Eating dirt” (broke) 

When you're so broke, it feels like you’re eating dirt. Commonly used by students who are low on cash. 

For example: “这个月我快吃土了。” (Zhège yuè wǒ kuài chī tǔ le.) – "I’m about to eat dirt this month." 

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Chinese Slang Word #3: 社交牛逼 (shè jiāo niú bī) 

Meaning: “Social butterfly” (socially awesome) 

A compliment for someone who's super outgoing and always the life of the party. 

For example: “她真的是社交牛逼。” (Tā zhēn de shì shèjiāo niúbī.) – "She’s such a social butterfly." 

Chinese Slang Word #4: 撩 (liāo) 

Meaning: “Flirt” 

This slang is used when someone is flirting or trying to attract someone’s attention in a playful way. 

For example: “他在撩她呢。” (Tā zài liāo tā ne.) – "He’s flirting with her." 

Chinese Slang Word #5: 搞笑 (gǎo xiào) 

Meaning: “Funny" 

Used when something is hilarious or amusing. You can use it to describe anything that makes you laugh. 

For example: “你说的真搞笑！” (Nǐ shuō de zhēn gǎo xiào!) – "What you said is so funny!" 

Top 5 Chinese Slang Phrases 

Now that you’ve got the hang of some key slang words in Chinese, let’s level up with the top 5 Mandarin slang phrases you’ll hear all around China! 

Chinese Slang Phrase #1: 看我七十二变 (kàn wǒ qī shí èr biàn) 

Meaning: "Watch me do my thing" 

A phrase used when you’re about to show off your skills or impress others, like saying “watch me work my magic.” 

For example: “别担心，看我七十二变！” (Bié dānxīn, kàn wǒ qī shí èr biàn!) – "Don’t worry, watch me work my magic!" 

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Chinese Slang Phrase #2: 加油 (jiā yóu) 

Meaning: “Keep going!” / “You’ve got this!” 

A super common phrase to cheer someone on when they’re working hard or need motivation. 

For example: “加油，快考试了！” (Jiā yóu, kuài kǎoshì le!) – "You’ve got this, the exam is coming up!" 

Chinese Slang Phrase #3: 我懒得 (wǒ lǎn dé) 

Meaning: "I can’t be bothered" 

This phrase is used when you really don’t feel like doing something or you just don’t care to put in the effort. 

For example: “今天我懒得去上课。” (Jīntiān wǒ lǎn dé qù shàngkè.) – "I can’t be bothered to go to class today." 

Chinese Slang Phrase #4: 吃瓜 (chī guā) 

Meaning: "Eating melon" (Gossiping) 

This phrase refers to sitting back and enjoying gossip or drama from the sidelines, similar to saying “grab the popcorn” in English. 

For example: “你知道吗？她和他又有事了，大家都在吃瓜。” (Nǐ zhīdào ma? Tā hé tā yòu yǒu shì le, dàjiā dōu zài chī guā.) – "Did you hear? She and he have something going on again, everyone’s gossiping about it." 

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Chinese Slang Phrase #5: 打酱油 (dǎ jiàng yóu) 

Meaning: "Mind your own business" (literally “buy soy sauce”) 

Used when someone is just there but not involved in the main action, like saying “I’m just here for the ride” or “I’m not involved.” 

For example: “我只是在打酱油，别管我。” (Wǒ zhǐ shì zài dǎ jiàng yóu, bié guǎn wǒ.) – "I’m just minding my business, don’t worry about me." 

Take Your Studies to Greater China 

With these slang Chinese words and phrases in your back pocket, you’re one step closer to sounding like a local! But it’s not just about the words – it’s about connecting with the culture and the people in a way that textbooks can’t teach you. By using these phrases, you’ll instantly feel more at home when you study abroad in Greater China.  

So, what are you waiting for? Start your application today! 

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