Learning a new language involves more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary; it also encompasses understanding colloquial expressions and slang that native speakers use in daily conversations. Chinese, with its rich history and cultural diversity, offers a plethora of interesting slang terms and expressions that can make learning the language both challenging and exciting. Here are some common Chinese slang terms and colloquial expressions that will help you sound more like a native speaker.
牛逼 (niúbī)
This is a highly popular slang term in Chinese, often used to describe something or someone that is outstanding or impressive. It’s equivalent to “awesome” or “cool” in English.
这个手机应用真牛逼，功能太多了！
土豪 (tǔ háo)
Originally referring to wealthy landlords, now it’s often used humorously to describe someone who spends money lavishly or someone who is very wealthy.
看他买了最新版的手机，真是个土豪。
吃货 (chī huò)
This term is affectionately used to describe a person who loves food and who always thinks about eating. It’s akin to “foodie” in English.
她去哪儿都想试当地的美食，真是个吃货。
给力 (gěi lì)
Often used to express approval, support, or encouragement, similar to “cool” or “go for it” in English. It literally means “to offer strength.”
他们团队的表现真给力！
掉链子 (diào liàn zi)
Used to describe someone or something that fails to meet expectations at a critical moment, similar to “drop the ball” in English.
关键时刻他掉链子了，让团队很受挫。
小鲜肉 (xiǎo xiān ròu)
This term is used to describe young, attractive men, similar to “fresh meat” in English. It’s often used in the entertainment industry.
那位新来的演员是个小鲜肉，很受欢迎。
辣眼睛 (là yǎn jīng)
This expression is used when someone sees something that is not visually appealing or is considered in bad taste. It literally translates to “spicy eyes.”
他的穿着真辣眼睛，太过时了。
撒娇 (sā jiāo)
Commonly used to describe the act of acting cute or coquettish, particularly by women towards their partners to gain affection or favors.
她向男朋友撒娇，希望他早点回家。
囧 (jiǒng)
This character, which looks like a distressed face, is used to describe a situation that is embarrassing or awkward.
他说错话后，整个房间的气氛都囧了。
打酱油 (dǎ jiàng yóu)
Literally meaning “to buy soy sauce,” this phrase is used to indicate that someone is not involved in a situation or prefers to stay out of a matter.
关于他们的争论，我只是来打酱油的。
人山人海 (rén shān rén hǎi)
Describing a place that is extremely crowded, this phrase literally translates to “mountains and seas of people.”
国庆节的天安门广场真是人山人海。
死党 (sǐ dǎng)
This term refers to a very close friend, similar to “bestie” or “BFF” in English. It literally means “die-hard group.”
他是我的死党，我们什么都一起分享。
脑洞大开 (nǎo dòng dà kāi)
Used to describe someone’s creative or bizarre thoughts, similar to “mind-blowing” or “having a wild imagination” in English.
他的创意总是脑洞大开的，让人惊叹。
Understanding and using these slang terms and colloquial expressions can enhance your fluency in Chinese and help you engage more naturally with native speakers. Remember, the key to mastering slang is not just memorization but also listening to how these words are used in context. Watch Chinese movies, listen to popular songs, and interact with native speakers to get a real feel for these expressions.
