Why Learn Chinese Slang?
Slang is an essential part of any language, reflecting cultural trends, humor, and the creativity of its speakers. For Chinese learners, picking up slang can help you:
- Understand social media, memes, and pop culture references
- Communicate more naturally with young Chinese speakers
- Build rapport and fit in with native speakers
- Stay updated with the latest language trends
Now, let’s dive into the most popular Chinese slang words among Gen Z!
Top Chinese Slang Words Used by Gen Z
1. 996 (jiǔ jiǔ liù)
This term refers to the grueling work schedule of working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. It’s often used by young professionals to describe the demanding work culture in China, especially in tech companies.
2. 内卷 (nèi juǎn)
Literally meaning “involution,” this word describes intense and often pointless competition, where everyone is working harder but not necessarily achieving more. It’s widely used to talk about academic, workplace, or societal pressures.
3. 摸鱼 (mō yú)
Translated as “touching fish,” this phrase means to slack off or do personal things during work hours. Gen Z uses it to talk about taking it easy at work or school, often as a way to cope with stress.
4. 爆款 (bào kuǎn)
This term means “hot item” or “trending product.” It’s used to refer to anything that goes viral or becomes extremely popular, whether it’s a song, a piece of clothing, or a social media post.
5. 颜值 (yán zhí)
Short for “face value,” this slang describes someone’s attractiveness or good looks. You’ll hear it often in compliments or discussions about celebrities and influencers.
6. 社恐 (shè kǒng)
Short for 社交恐惧症 (social anxiety disorder), Gen Z uses this phrase to describe themselves or others who are shy or anxious in social situations.
7. 佛系 (fó xì)
Meaning “Buddha-like,” this word describes a laid-back, non-competitive, and chill attitude toward life. It’s popular among young people who reject the rat race and prefer a stress-free lifestyle.
8. 杠精 (gàng jīng)
This term refers to someone who loves to argue or nitpick, often just for the sake of arguing. It’s a playful but sometimes sarcastic way to describe a “contrarian.”
9. 云 (yún)
Literally “cloud,” this word is used as a prefix to describe doing something virtually or through the internet, such as 云蹦迪 (yún bèng dí, “virtual clubbing”) or 云养猫 (yún yǎng māo, “virtually adopting a cat”).
10. 上头 (shàng tóu)
This phrase literally means “going to the head” and is used to describe a state of being addicted or obsessed with something, such as a song, a TV show, or even a person.
How to Learn and Use Chinese Slang Effectively
Learning slang is about more than just memorizing words. Here are some tips from Talkpal to help you use Chinese Gen Z slang naturally:
- Follow Chinese influencers and social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin (TikTok), or Bilibili
- Watch Chinese dramas, variety shows, and vlogs for real-life examples
- Join online language exchange communities to practice with native speakers
- Use AI language learning tools like Talkpal to get instant feedback and practice in context
Conclusion
Staying updated with popular slang not only helps you communicate more naturally but also gives you deeper insight into Chinese youth culture. By incorporating these words and phrases into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to engage with Gen Z speakers and enjoy the lighter, more creative side of the Chinese language. For more tips and resources on learning Chinese, keep following the Talkpal AI language learning blog!
