It’s 2025, and the high-tech era is well underway. Speakers of nearly every language have developed their own systems of internet shorthand to express thoughts and feelings efficiently. The world of Chinese Internet slang is no exception, continually evolving to reflect modern trends and social media culture.
To keep your Mandarin skills fresh, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Chinese Internet slang. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most commonly used terms and acronyms in 2025, perfect for high school students learning Chinese as a foreign language.
Why Learn Chinese Internet Slang?
Even advanced language students can find themselves mystified by the fast-paced world of Chinese Internet slang. While you may know common online terms like 666 (liù liù liù; awesome) or 88 (bā bā; bye-bye), modern Chinese slang includes a range of acronyms and phrases often used by netizens.
Understanding these terms will not only enhance your communication skills but also help you engage more effectively with Chinese speakers on social media and in digital media. Plus, it's a fun way to keep your Mandarin up-to-date!
Six Popular Online Acronyms to Learn Today
Ready to modernize your Chinese skills? Here are six popular Chinese internet slang acronyms you should know:
yyds (永远的神) - Eternal God
Used to describe something or someone outstanding, akin to the English phrase “GOAT”.
Example: 桂林米粉太好吃了，桂林米粉就是yyds！Guì lín mǐ fěn tài hào chī le, Guì lín mǐ fěn jiù shì yyds. Guilin rice noodles are delicious; they’re just yyds!
nsdd (你说得对) - What you said is right
Used to agree with someone or affirm their statement.
Example: Nsdd！这样的做法是正确的。Nsdd! Zhè yàng de zuò fǎ shì zhèng què de. Nsdd! That’s the right way to do it.
srds (虽然但是) - Despite that being the case
Indicates a shift in opinion or contrast.
Example: Srds，我还是不喜欢这件衣服。Srds, wǒ hái shì bù xǐ huan zhè jiàn yī fú. Srds, I still don’t like this piece of clothing.
xswl (笑死我了) - Laughing to death
A response to something very funny, similar to “LOL” in English.
Example: 这张图片好搞笑, xswl！Zhè zhāng tú piàn hǎo gǎo xiào, xswl! This photo is so funny, xswl!
u1s1 (有一说一) - To be honest
Used to emphasize sincerity or truthfulness.
Example: u1s1，这个项目她做得还不错。u1s1, zhè ge xiàng mù tā zuò dé hái bú cuò. u1s1, she seriously did a good job on the project.
bdjw (不懂就问) - Just ask if you don’t understand
A helpful phrase to introduce a question.
Example: Bdjw，什么是阿基米德定律？Bdjw, shén me shì ā jī mǐ dé dìng lǜ? Bdjw, what is Archimedes' law?
Five Trending Chinese Slang Terms
In addition to acronyms, several slang terms have emerged that capture the zeitgeist of Chinese youth culture. Here are four notable ones:
内卷 (nèi juǎn)
Refers to the intense competition and pressure in society, particularly in education and work.
Example: 最近的考试压力真大，大家都在内卷。Zuìjìn de kǎoshì yālì zhēn dà, dàjiā dōu zài nèijuǎn.The pressure from recent exams is huge; everyone is in a state of 内卷.
躺平 (tǎng píng)
"Lying flat" symbolizes opting out of the rat race, prioritizing personal happiness over societal expectations.
Example: 他决定躺平，不再追求升职。Tā juédìng tǎng píng, bù zài zhuīqiú shēngzhí.He decided to 躺平 and no longer pursue promotions.
破防了 (pò fáng le) - Emotionally Overwhelmed
Expresses feeling emotionally overwhelmed, often used in response to touching or impactful content.
Example: 看完那个视频我破防了。Kàn wán nàgè shìpín wǒ pò fáng le.I felt so overwhelmed after watching that video.
画饼 (huà bǐng) - Empty Promises
Refers to making empty promises or unrealistic expectations.
Example: 老板总是画饼，但从未兑现。Lǎobǎn zǒng shì huàbǐng, dàn cóng wèi duì xiàn.The boss always makes empty promises but never delivers.
绝绝子 (jué jué zǐ) ) - Truly Amazing/Over-the-Top
This term is used to describe something that is extraordinarily impressive, similar to saying something is "next level" or "unbelievably amazing."
Example: 这个演出太绝绝子了！Zhège yǎnchū tài jué jué zǐ le! This performance is absolutely amazing!
Keeping It Fresh
Congrats! You’re now equipped with some of 2025’s hottest Chinese Internet slang. To practice your new vocabulary, engage with Chinese speakers online—leave comments or use these phrases in conversations. Your cultural awareness will surely impress!
If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your Mandarin skills, consider online lessons with qualified instructors or even studying abroad in China.
By incorporating modern slang into your studies, you’ll not only learn the language but also connect with the younger generation in a meaningful way. Before you know it, you’ll be “yyds” in Chinese!
Internet Slang Vocabulary
Hàn zì | Pīn yīn | Definition |
永远的神 | yǒng yuǎn de shén | yyds; eternal god |
你说得对 | nǐ shuō dé duì | nsdd; you're right |
笑死我了 | xiào sǐ wǒ le | xswl; hilarious |
不懂就问 | bù dǒng jiù wèn | bdjw; just asking |
内卷 | nèi juǎn | intense competition |
躺平 | tǎng píng | lying flat |
破防了 | pò fáng le | emotionally overwhelmed |
画饼 | huà bǐng | empty promises |
绝绝子 | jué jué zǐ | truly amazing |
Now that you're familiar with this slang, get out there and start using it!
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