Mandarin Slang Words: 11 Essential Expressions for Daily Conversation

Objective

This is a class note or language learning guide summarizing essential and popular Mandarin slang words. The document provides definitions, cultural context, and example usages.

1. 牛逼 (niú bī)

• Meaning: Really awesome (but vulgar)
• Literal Meaning: "Cow's vagina"
• Context: Extremely common among friends or close family; not used in formal situations or with elders.
• Polite Alternative: Just say 牛 (niú) instead.
• Can also be used sarcastically.

2. 吐槽 (tǔ cáo)

• Meaning: To vent or complain; get something off your chest.
• Literal Meaning: "Spit" + "Pig trough" (spitting slop back out)
• Usage: Used when criticizing or talking bad about something. Common but can be negative if done excessively.

3. 靠谱 (kào pǔ)

• Meaning: Reliable, trustworthy.
• Literal Meaning: To be close to the musical score (following the rules/order).
• Opposite: 离谱 (lí pǔ) – out of order, untrustworthy.
• Example: 学校靠谱吗? (Is this school reliable?)

4. 给力 (gěi lì)

• Meaning: Awesome, powerful (internet slang).
• Literal Meaning: To give power.
• Context: Used online and in casual speech to describe something impressive.

5. 充电 (chōng diàn)

• Meaning: Literally "charge electricity" (to charge electronics), also means to improve oneself or recharge (skills, energy).
• Example: 去上几个月的夜校充电 (Go to night classes for a few months to improve myself)

6. 打卡 (dǎ kǎ)

• Meaning: Originally punching a time card at work; now used as "checking in" at trendy or famous locations.
• Usage: Visiting tourist spots, cafes, or restaurants and posting about it online.
• Example: 去巴黎一定要到卢浮宫打卡

7. 拍马屁 (pāi mǎ pì)

• Meaning: To suck up to, brownnose, flatter.
• Literal Meaning: "Pat the horse’s behind"
• Origin: Gaining favor from the wealthy by pleasing their horses.

8. 找茬 (zhǎo chá)

• Meaning: To pick a fight, look for trouble or arguments.
• Literal Meaning: "Look for grooves" (in harvested fields)
• Usage: Both verbal arguments and physical fights.

9. 山寨 (shān zhài)

• Meaning: Fake, knockoff (especially products).
• Literal Meaning: Mountain camp.
• Origin: Related to places where counterfeit products are made.

10. 绕圈子 (rào quān zi) / 打圈子 (dǎ quān zi)

• Meaning: To beat around the bush.
• Literal Meaning: "Make circles"
• Usage: Not getting to the point in conversation.
• Opposite: 直说 (zhí shuō) – be straightforward.

11. 单身狗 (dān shēn gǒu)

• Meaning: Single dog (someone infamously or perpetually single)
• Usage: Used humorously for self-deprecation about being single.
• Example: 情人节不属于我们这些可怜的单身狗 (Valentine's Day is not for us poor single dogs)

Related Bonus Expressions:

• 撒狗粮 (sǎ gǒu liáng): "Spreading dog food" – Showing off affection in public (making single people feel bad).
• 汪汪汪 (wāng wāng wāng): "Woof woof woof" – Sarcastic response by singles online when someone shows too much affection.

Conclusion

• These slang phrases are widely used and understanding them will help you sound more like a native and keep up with day-to-day Mandarin conversations.
• Use them appropriately according to the context and formality of the situation.

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