Popular Chinese Slang Words You Need to Know in 2025

Are you an internet-savvy Mandarin learner who’s tired of textbooks and ready to talk like a real native? You’re in luck—mastering Chinese slang will make you sound more natural, relatable, and culturally fluent in no time. We’ve compiled an updated guide featuring the hottest Chinese slang terms in 2025. Time to level up your Chinese skills and impress your Chinese friends!

Why You Should Learn Chinese Slang

Learning slang is more than just knowing cool phrases—it’s about understanding modern Chinese culture and internet trends. It helps you:

• Sound authentic and natural.
• Connect easily with native speakers.
• Stay relevant in social interactions.
  

Unfortunately, slang rarely appears in formal classes, but worry not—this handy guide has got you covered.

15 Trending Chinese Slang Words to Sound Like a Native

1. 土 (Tǔ)

Literally meaning “soil,” this word describes something outdated or unfashionable. Think English “basic” or “uncool.”

• Example:
  那件衣服太土了，不要买！(Nà jiàn yīfu tài tǔ le, bú yào mǎi!)
  That outfit is so basic, don’t buy it!
  

2. 卖萌 (Mài Méng)

To purposefully act cute, usually playfully.

• Example:
  自拍一下，卖个萌。(Zìpāi yīxià, mài gè méng.)
  Taking a selfie to show off my cuteness.
  

3. 亲 (Qīn)

Similar to the English “bae,” often used affectionately online.

• Example:
  亲！我好想你。(Qīn! Wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐ.)
  Bae! I miss you.
  

4. 哥们 (Gēmen)

The Chinese equivalent of “bro,” signifying close, dependable friends.

• Example:
  李明是我大学时候的哥们。(Lǐ Míng shì wǒ dàxué shíhou de gēmen.)
  Li Ming is my bro from college.
  

5. 也是醉了 (Yěshì Zuìle)

Expresses mild disbelief or frustration, literally “I’m also drunk.”

• Example:
  这家餐厅居然这么贵，我也是醉了。(Zhè jiā cāntīng jūrán zhème guì, wǒ yěshì zuìle.)
  I can’t believe this restaurant is so expensive—I must be drunk too.
  

6. 你行你上 (Nǐ Xíng Nǐ Shàng)

“If you can do better, go ahead!” often used sarcastically.

• Example:
  觉得自己行？那你行你上啊！(Juédé zìjǐ xíng? Nà nǐ xíng nǐ shàng a!)
  Think you’re so great? Go ahead and try it yourself!
  

7. 不感冒 (Bù Gǎnmào)

Means “not interested” or “couldn’t care less.”

• Example:
  他对足球一点也不感冒。(Tā duì zúqiú yīdiǎn yě bù gǎnmào.)
  He’s not interested in football at all.
  

8. 算了 (Suànle)

“Forget it,” signaling giving up or ending something.

• Example:
  太麻烦了，算了吧。(Tài máfan le, suànle ba.)
  It’s too troublesome, forget it.
  

9. 神 (Shén)

Literally “god,” praising someone’s impressive skills or expertise.

• Example:
  他做视频剪辑简直是神。(Tā zuò shìpín jiǎnjí jiǎnzhí shì shén.)
  He’s a god at video editing.
  

10. 520 (Wǔ’èr líng)

Sound-alike numbers that mean “I love you” (我爱你 Wǒ ài nǐ).

• Example:
  今天520，快去跟她表白吧！(Jīntiān wǔ’èr líng, kuài qù gēn tā biǎobái ba!)
  It’s 520 today, hurry and confess to her!

11. 凡尔赛 (Fán’ěrsài)

“Versailles,” meaning humblebragging.

• Example:
  他又在凡尔赛，说自己加薪好烦。(Tā yòu zài fán’ěrsài, shuō zìjǐ jiāxīn hǎo fán.)
  He’s humblebragging again, complaining about his raise.
  

12. 躺平 (Tǎng Píng)

“Lying flat,” describing minimal effort or embracing low stress.

• Example:
  生活压力太大，我只想躺平。(Shēnghuó yālì tài dà, wǒ zhǐ xiǎng tǎng píng.)
  Life’s too stressful, I just want to chill.
  

13. YYDS (永远的神 – Yǒngyuǎn de Shén)

Abbreviation meaning “forever the best” or “greatest of all time.”

• Example:
  这部电影简直YYDS！(Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎnzhí YYDS!)
  This movie is simply the GOAT!
  

14. 社恐 (Shè Kǒng)

Social anxiety, referring humorously to shy or introverted people.

• Example:
  我社恐，不想去聚会。(Wǒ shè kǒng, bù xiǎng qù jùhuì.)
  I’m socially anxious, I don’t want to go to the party.
  

15. Emo了 (Emo le)

Feeling emotional or down, inspired by English “emo.”Example:
看完那个电影，我直接emo了。(Kàn wán nàgè diànyǐng, wǒ zhíjiē emo le.)
After watching that movie, I feel totally emo.