Daily Chinese | Unlocking the Secrets of Chinese Internet Slang

Chinese internet slang is a dynamic part of modern culture that reflects changes in society and technology.

Here are 5 of the most interesting examples of internet slang in Chinese, which will help you better understand Chinese culture and language.

1. 呵呵 (hēhē)

Translation: Hehe  

Meaning: Sarcastic or ironic laughter. Often used to express dissatisfaction or disdain.  

Example:

A: 你真的会做这个项目吗? (Nǐ zhēn de huì zuò zhège xiàngmù ma?) – Do you really know how to complete this project?

B: 呵呵, 还没完成呢。(Hēhē, hái méi wánchéng ne) – Hehe, not yet finished.

2. 233 (èr sān sān)

Translation: LOL

Meaning: Represents loud laughter. Originates from the emoji “囧” (jiong), which looks like a face bursting into laughter. The number “233” in Chinese cyberspace has come to signify laughter.

Example:

A: 这个搞笑的梗太有意思了！(Zhège gǎoxiào de gěng tài yǒu yìsi le!) – Look at this funny meme!

B: 哈哈，233! (Hāhā, 233!) – LOL

3. 吃土 (chī tǔ)

Translation: Eat dirt

Meaning: Indicates that someone has no money and is “eating dirt.” Often used humorously when someone has spent a lot of money and now has no funds left.

Example:

A: 我买了新手机，现在穷得吃土了。(Wǒ mǎi le xīn shǒujī, xiànzài qióng dé chī tǔ le) – I bought a new phone, now I’m broke.

B: 哈哈，那你真是吃土了！(Hāhā, nà nǐ zhēn shì chī tǔ le！) – Haha, time to eat dirt!

4. 打卡 (dǎ kǎ)

Translation: Check-in

Meaning: Means to check in or mark one’s presence at an event or place. Often used on social media when someone shares their location.

Example:

A: 我们去这家咖啡馆打卡吧。(Wǒmen qù zhè jiā kāfēi guǎn dǎ kǎ ba。) – Let’s take a selfie to check in at this cafe.

B: 好啊，这里真不错！(Hǎo a, zhèlǐ zhēn bùcuò!) – Sure, this place is amazing!

5. 打酱油 (dǎ jiàng yóu)

Translation: Go buy soy sauce

Meaning: Means that a person is not involved in a certain event or has no relation to it. Originates from a phrase where someone accidentally becomes the center of attention and says they were just “out to buy soy sauce.

Example:

A: 你听说办公室的八卦了吗？（Nǐ tīng shuō bàngōngshì de bāguà le ma?）– Did you hear about the office drama?

B: 没听说，刚来打酱油而已。 (Méi tīng shuō, gāng lái dǎ jiàng yóu ér yǐ.）- No, I’m just here to mind my own business.

Chinese internet slang is a rich and diverse world that allows people to express themselves creatively and effectively. These examples will help you better understand the culture and communication styles in the Chinese internet space, as well as improve your language skills.

努力学习，别让自己掉队！ (Nǔlì xuéxí, bié ràng zìjǐ diàotuì!)

Study hard, don’t let yourself fall behind!

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