LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #1
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Colors, Part 1

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 1
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

take the blame

背黑锅 背黑鍋 bēihēiguō for others phrase

goalkeeper who
黄油手 黃油手 huángyóu shǒu let the ball slip phrase
into the goal

a male being
绿帽子 綠帽子 lǜmàozi cheated on in a phrase
relationship

ideal lover;
白马王子 白馬王子 báimǎ wángzǐ Prince noun
Charming

SAMPLE SENTENCES

谁来为这次事故背黑锅呢？ 这个守门员是出了名的黄油手。
Shuí lái wèi zhè cì shìgù bēihēiguō ne? Zhège shǒuményuán shì chūle míng de
huángyóu shǒu.
Who will take the responsibility for this
accident? This goalkeeper is famous for his slippery
hands.

这个男人被戴了绿帽子。 她还在寻找她的白马王子。
Zhège nánrén bèi dàile lǜmàozi. Tā hái zài xúnzhǎo tā de báimǎ wángzǐ.

This man was cheated on. She is still looking for her ideal lover.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 背黑锅 (bēihēiguō)

Literal translation: "carry black pan"

English meaning: "take the blame for others"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who takes responsibilities for other's
wrong-doings.

Sample Sentences:

你犯了错，为什么要我背黑锅？
Nǐ fànle cuò, wèishéme yào wǒ bēihēiguō?
"You made the mistake; why let me take the blame?"

谁来为这次事故背黑锅呢？
Shuí lái wèi zhè cì shìgù bēihēiguō ne?
"Who will take the responsibility for this accident?"

2. 黄油手 (huángyóu shǒu)

Literal translation: "butter hand"

English meaning: "goalkeeper who let the ball slip into the goal"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a goalkeeper who touches the ball but fails to
catch it.

Sample Sentences:

这个守门员真是个黄油手！
Zhège shǒuményuán zhēnshi gè huángyóu shǒu!
"This goalkeeper has such butter hands!"

这个守门员是出了名的黄油手。
Zhège shǒuményuán shì chūle míng de huángyóu shǒu.
"This goalkeeper is famous for his slippery hands."

3. 绿帽子 (lǜmàozi)

Literal translation: "green hat"

English meaning: "a male being cheated on in a relationship"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a woman cheating on her partner, or a man

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

who is being cheated on.

Sample Sentences:

她给她的老公戴了绿帽子。
Tā gěi tā de lǎogōng dàile lǜmàozi.
"She cheated on her husband."

这个男人被戴了绿帽子。
Zhège nánrén bèi dàile lǜmàozi.
"This man was cheated on."

4. 白马王子 (báimǎ wángzǐ)

Literal translation: "white horse prince"

English meaning: "ideal lover; Prince Charming"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a man who is someone’s ideal man.

Sample Sentences:

他是很多女生心中的白马王子。
Tā shì hěnduō nǚshēng xīnzhōng de báimǎ wángzǐ.
"He is the ideal lover in the hearts of many girls."

她还在寻找她的白马王子。
Tā hái zài xúnzhǎo tā de báimǎ wángzǐ.
"She is still looking for her ideal lover."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #2
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Traveling

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 2
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

to have poor
路痴 路痴 lù chī sense of noun
direction

暴走 暴走 bàozǒu walk a lot phrase

rén shēng dì bù unfamiliar with

人生地不熟 人生地不熟 shú a new place phrase

huge crowds of
人山人海 人山人海 rénshānrénhǎi people adjective

SAMPLE SENTENCES

路痴不适合开车。 我们在两天里暴走了10个景点。
Lù chī bù shìhé kāichē. Wǒmen zài liǎng tiān lǐ bàozǒule 10 gè jǐngdiǎn.

People with a poor sense of direction are We traveled to ten tourist attractions within
not suitable to drive. two days.

你在这人生地不熟的，需要一个当 我们最好避开人山人海。
地的朋友。 Wǒmen zuì hǎo bì kāi rénshānrénhǎi.
Nǐ zài zhège dìfāng rénshēng dì bù shú de,
xūyào yīgè dāngdì de péngyǒu. We'd better avoid huge crowds of people.

You are unfamiliar with this place; you

need a local friend.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 路痴 (lù chī)

Literal translation: "road idiot"

English meaning: "to have poor sense of direction"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is very bad at recognizing and

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

remembering roads.

Sample Sentences:

路痴总是记不住路。
Lù chī zǒng shì jì bù zhù lù.
"People with a poor sense of direction can never remember the roads."

路痴不适合开车。
Lù chī bù shìhé kāichē.
"People with a poor sense of direction are not suitable to drive."

2. 暴走 (bàozǒu)

Literal translation: "violent walk"

English meaning: "walk a lot"

Use this slang expression when you talk about walking long distance.

Sample Sentences:

我们在纽约暴走了三天。
Wǒmen zài niǔyuē bàozǒule sān tiān.
"We walked a lot in New York for three days."

我们在两天里暴走了10个景点。
Wǒmen zài liǎng tiān lǐ bàozǒule 10 gè jǐngdiǎn.
"We traveled to ten tourist attractions within two days."

3. 人生地不熟 (rén shēng dì bù shú)

Literal translation: "people unfamiliar land unfamiliar"

English meaning: "unfamiliar with a new place"

Use this slang expression when you talk about being in a totally unfamiliar place.

Sample Sentences:

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

他刚来到这个城市，人生地不熟。
Tā gāng lái dào zhège chéngshì, rénshēng dì bù shú.
"He just arrived in this city, unfamiliar with the people and places here."

你在这人生地不熟的，需要一个当地的朋友。
Nǐ zài zhège dìfāng rénshēng dì bù shú de, xūyào yīgè dāngdì de péngyǒu.
"You are unfamiliar with this place; you need a local friend."

4. 人山人海 (rénshānrénhǎi)

Literal translation: "people mountain people sea"

English meaning: "huge crowds of people"

Use this slang expression when you talk about extremely crowded places.

Sample Sentences:

周末这里人山人海。
Zhōumò zhèlǐ rénshānrénhǎi.
"It's very crowded here on weekends."

我们最好避开人山人海。
Wǒmen zuì hǎo bì kāi rénshānrénhǎi.
"We'd better avoid huge crowds of people."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #3
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Animals, Part 1

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 3
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

to criticize
something in
hindsight;
"Monday
马后炮 馬後砲 mǎ hòu pào morning phrase
quarterback";
one who offers
help after the
situation is over

落汤鸡 落湯雞 luò tāng jī soaked through phrase

doomsayer; one
who predicts
乌鸦嘴 烏鴉嘴 wūyā zuǐ impending phrase
doom

naughty kid;
熊孩子 熊孩子 xióng háizi wild kid noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES

我这个建议也许是马后炮。 他忘记带雨伞，被淋得像落汤鸡似
Wǒ zhège jiànyì yěxǔ shì mǎhòupào. 的。
Tā wàngjì dài yǔsǎn, bèi línde xiàng luòtāngjī
I am probably too late with my suggestion. shìde.

He forgot his umbrella and got caught in

the rain like a drowned rat.

她总说错话，被朋友戏称「乌鸦 和这样的熊孩子在一起真是头疼。
嘴」。 Hé zhèyàngde xióngháizi zàiyīqǐ zhēnshi tóuténg.
Tā zǒng shuōcuò huà, bèi péngyǒu xìchēng
"wūyā zuǐ". It's a headache to spend time with such a
naughty kid.
She always says something wrong and is
dubbed "crow's mouth" by her friends.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

1. 马后炮 (mǎ hòu pào)

Literal translation: "cannon behind horse"

English meaning: "to criticize something in hindsight; "Monday morning quarterback"; "one
who offers help after the situation is over"

Use this slang expression when someone gives suggestions of something that has already
happened, or from a position of hindsight.

Sample Sentences:

Ａ：如果我是你，我一定会... Ｂ：别马后炮了。
Ａ: rúguǒ Wǒ shì nǐ , Wǒ yīdìng huì.. Ｂ: bié mǎ hòu pào le .
"Ａ:If I were you, I would have… Ｂ: You Monday-morning quarterback."

我这个建议也许是马后炮。
Wǒ zhège jiànyì yěxǔ shì mǎhòupào.
"I am probably too late with my suggestion."

2. 落汤鸡 (luò tāng jī)

Literal translation: "a chicken fallen into hot water"

English meaning: "soaked through"

Use this slang expression when someone to be caught in the rain and soaked through.

Sample Sentences:

她回来的时候像只落汤鸡。
Tā huílái de shíhou xiàng zhǐ luòtāngjī.
"She came back soaking wet."

他忘记带雨伞，被淋得像落汤鸡似的。
Tā wàngjì dài yǔsǎn, bèi línde xiàng luòtāngjī shìde.
"He forgot his umbrella and got caught in the rain like a drowned rat."

3. 乌鸦嘴 (wūyā zuǐ)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Literal translation: "a crow's mouth"

English meaning: "doomsayer; one who predicts impending doom"

Use this slang expression when someone says something ominous, especially if the
prediction could be self fulfilling.

Sample Sentences:

你这乌鸦嘴，别说那么不吉利的话。
Nǐ zhè wūyā zuǐ, bié shuō nàme bù jílì de huà.
"You pessimist, don't say such unlucky words."

她总说错话，被朋友戏称"乌鸦嘴"。
Tā zǒng shuōcuò huà, bèi péngyǒu xìchēng "wūyā zuǐ".
"She always says something wrong and is dubbed "crow's mouth" by her friends."

4. 熊孩子 (xióng háizi)

Literal translation: "bear child"

English meaning: "naughty kid; wild kid"

Use this slang expression when talking about those ages 5 to 12 years old who are very
curious, destructive, or naughty.

Sample Sentences:

这三个熊孩子又跑又闹又砸东西的闹了两个小时。
Zhè sān gè xióng háizi yòu pǎo yòu nào yòu zá dōngxī de nàole liǎng gè xiǎoshí.
"The three wild kids ran around, screamed, and destroyed things for two hours."

和这样的熊孩子在一起真是头疼。
Hé zhèyàngde xióngháizi zàiyīqǐ zhēnshi tóuténg.
"It's a headache to spend time with such a naughty kid."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #4
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Work

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 4
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

poach an
挖墙脚 挖牆腳 wāqiángjiǎo employee from phrase
competitors

工作狂 工作狂 gōngzuò kuáng workaholic noun

跳槽 跳槽 tiàocáo changing jobs verb

铁饭碗 鐵飯碗 Tiě fànwǎn stable job noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES

公司之间挖墙脚的现象很常见。 你觉得你是工作狂吗？
Gōngsī zhī jiān wāqiángjiǎo de xiànxiàng hěn Nǐ juéde nǐ shì gōngzuò kuáng ma?
chángjiàn.
Do you think you are a workaholic?
Poaching employees between companies
is very common.

你上次跳槽是什么时候？ 他找到一份铁饭碗。
Nǐ shàng cì tiàocáo shì shénme shíhou? Tā zhǎodào yī fèn tiě fànwǎn.

When was the last time you changed jobs? He's found a stable job.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 挖墙脚 (wāqiángjiǎo)

Literal translation: "dig wall foot"

English meaning: "poach an employee from competitors"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a company or a team who brings over a
member from its competitor.

Sample Sentences:

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

老板担心自己的员工被挖墙脚。
Lǎobǎn dānxīn zìjǐ de yuángōng bèi wāqiángjiǎo.
"The boss is afraid that his employees will be poached."

公司之间挖墙脚的现象很常见。
Gōngsī zhī jiān wāqiángjiǎo de xiànxiàng hěn chángjiàn.
"Poaching employees between companies is very common."

2. 工作狂 (gōngzuò kuáng)

Literal translation: "work crazy"

English meaning: "workaholic"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who works extremely hard.

Sample Sentences:

她是工作狂，每天都加班。
Tā shì gōngzuò kuáng, měitiān dū jiābān.
"She is a workaholic, working overtime everyday."

你觉得你是工作狂吗？
Nǐ juéde nǐ shì gōngzuò kuáng ma?
"Do you think you are a workaholic?"

3. 跳槽 (tiàocáo)

Literal translation: "jump groove"

English meaning: "changing jobs"

Use this slang expression when you talk about changing a job.

Sample Sentences:

他已经决定跳槽了。
Tā yǐjīng juédìng tiàocáole.
"He has decided to change jobs."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

你上次跳槽是什么时候？
Nǐ shàng cì tiàocáo shì shénme shíhou?
"When was the last time you changed jobs?"

4. 铁饭碗 (Tiě fànwǎn)

Literal translation: "iron bowl"

English meaning: "stable job"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a very stable job.

Sample Sentences:

这个工作是个铁饭碗。
Zhège gōngzuò shìgè tiě fànwǎn.
"This job is very stable."

他找到一份铁饭碗。
Tā zhǎodào yī fèn tiě fànwǎn.
"He's found a stable job."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #5
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Numbers, Part 1

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 5
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

stubborn,
一根筋儿 一根筋兒 yìgēn jīn'er narrow-minded phrase

naive; still wet

二 二 èr behind the ears adjective

pretty
close; very
八九不离十 八九不離十 bā jiǔ bùlí shí near; about phrase
right; in all
probability

Bǎi wén bùrú yī seeing is

百闻不如一见 百聞不如一見 jiàn believing phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

她只是脑子一根筋儿而已。但是她 你真二!
不是有意伤害你。 Nǐ zhēn èr!
Tā zhǐshì nǎozi yī gēn jīn er éryǐ. Dànshì tā bùshì
yǒuyì shānghài nǐ. You clown!

She has a one-track-mind; but she didn't

mean to hurt you.

虽然我没法告诉你具体的数字，但 九寨沟实在太美了，的确是百闻不
是我可以估计个八九不离十。 如一见。
Suīrán wǒ méifǎ gàosù nǐ jùtǐde shùzì, dànshì wǒ Jiǔzhàigōu shízài tàiměile, díquè shì bǎi wén bùrú
kěyǐ gūjì gè bājiǔbùlíshí. yí jiàn.

Although I can't tell you the specific Jiuzhaigou is really beautiful, it is indeed
figures, but my guess could be very close. "seeing is believing."

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 一根筋儿 (yìgēn jīn'er)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Literal translation: "one stick of tendon"

English meaning: "stubborn, narrow-minded"

Use this slang expression when someone is being stubborn.

Sample Sentences:

别跟他理论了，你不知道他是一根筋儿吗？
bié gēn tā lǐlùn le , nǐ bù zhīdào tā shì yìgēn jīn'er ma ?
"Stop reasoning with him. Don’t you know he is narrow-minded?"

她只是脑子一根筋儿而已。但是她不是有意伤害你。
Tā zhǐshì nǎozi yī gēn jīn er éryǐ. Dànshì tā bùshì yǒuyì shānghài nǐ.
"She has a one-track-mind; but she didn't mean to hurt you."

2. 二 (èr)

Literal translation: "two"

English meaning: "naive; still wet behind the ears"

Use this slang expression when your friend does something stupid unexpectedly.

Sample Sentences:

你还能再二一点吗？
nǐ hái néng zài èr yì diǎn ma ?
"How naive could you get?"

你真二!
Nǐ zhēn èr!
"You clown!"

3. 八九不离十 (bā jiǔ bùlí shí)

Literal translation: "eight or nine to ten"

English meaning: "pretty close; very near; about right; in a probability"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when guessing result is very close (spoken language).

Sample Sentences:

你猜得八九不离十了。
Nǐ cāi dé bājiǔ bùlí shíle.
"Your guess wasn't far off."

虽然我没法告诉你具体的数字，但是我可以估计个八九不离十。
Suīrán wǒ méifǎ gàosù nǐ jùtǐde shùzì, dànshì wǒ kěyǐ gūjì gè bājiǔbùlíshí.
"Although I can't tell you the specific figures, but my guess could be very close."

4. 百闻不如一见 (Bǎi wén bùrú yī jiàn)

Literal translation: "to see sth. once is better than to hear about it a hundred times.;"

English meaning: "seeing is believing"

Use this slang expression when saying seeing is believing.

Sample Sentences:

我终于来到长城了，真是百闻不如一见啊。
Wǒ zhōngyú lái dào chángchéngle, zhēnshi bǎiwén bùrú yījiàn a.
"I finally made it to the Great Wall, it is indeed better to see it once than to hear about it a
hundred times."

九寨沟实在太美了，的确是百闻不如一见。
Jiǔzhàigōu shízài tàiměile, díquè shì bǎi wén bùrú yí jiàn.
"Jiuzhaigou is really beautiful, it is indeed "seeing is believing."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #6
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Relationships, Part 1

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 6
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

电灯泡 電燈泡 diàn dēng pào third wheel noun

吃醋 吃醋 chīcù to be jealous verb

Someone who
ignores all their
other friends
yǒu yìxìng méi when they are
有异性没人性 有異性沒人性 phrase
rén xìng dating
someone, or
"hiberdating"

jiǎotàliǎng zhī two-timer; play

脚踏两只船 腳踏兩隻船 chuán the field phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

我和闺蜜还有她的男友一起去郊 听起来你吃醋了。
游，我当了一回电灯泡。 Tīng qǐlái nǐ chīcù le.
Wǒ hé guīmì hái yǒu tāde nányǒu yīqǐ qù jiāoyóu,
wǒ dāngle yīhuí diàndēngpào. It sounds like you are jealous.

I went hiking with my close friend and her

boyfriend, I was the third wheel on the trip.

自从三个月前小梅跟韦德约会以 那个军火走私者脚踏两只船，同时
来，我就一直没有过她的消息，真 向伊拉克人和以色列人出售武器。
可谓有异性没人性啊！ Nàgè jūnhuǒ zǒusī zhě jiǎo tà liǎng zhī chuán,
Zìcóng sān gè yuè qián xiǎoméi gēn wéi dé tóngshí xiàng Yīlākè rén hé yǐsèliè rén chūshòu
yuēhuì yǐlái, wǒ jiù yīzhí méiyǒuguò tā de xiāoxī, wǔqì.
zhēn kěwèi yǒu yìxìng méi rénxìng a!
The gun runner has a foot in both camps;
I haven't seen or heard from May since he sells arms to both the Iraqis and the
she started hiberdating Wade three Israelis.
months ago.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

1. 电灯泡 (diàn dēng pào)

Literal translation: "light bulb"

English meaning: "third wheel"

Use this slang expression when indicating an unnecessary person in a group of three people.

Sample Sentences:

你们两个自己去吧，我不想当电灯泡。
Nǐmen liǎng gè zìjǐ qù ba, wǒ bùxiǎng dāng diàndēngpào.
"You two go ahead without me, I don't want to be a third wheel."

我和闺蜜还有她的男友一起去郊游，我当了一回电灯泡。
Wǒ hé guīmì hái yǒu tāde nányǒu yīqǐ qù jiāoyóu, wǒ dāngle yīhuí diàndēngpào.
"I went hiking with my close friend and her boyfriend, I was the third wheel in the trip."

2. 吃醋 (chīcù)

Literal translation: "eat vinegar"

English meaning: "to be jealous"

Use this slang expression when someone is jealous.

Sample Sentences:

他那样做是出于吃醋。
tā nàyàng zuò shì chūyú chīcù .
"He acted out of jealousy."

听起来你吃醋了。
Tīng qǐlái nǐ chīcù le.
"It sounds like you are jealous."

3. 有异性没人性 (yǒu yìxìng méi rén xìng)

Literal translation: "have lover no humanity"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

English meaning: "Someone who ignores all their other friends when they are dating
someone, or "hiberdating"

Use this slang expression when someone is in a state of inactivity among friends when dating
someone.

Sample Sentences:

你有了男朋友就不理我们了，真是有异性没人性!
nǐ yǒule nánpéngyou jiù bù lǐ wǒmen le , zhēnshì yǒu yìxìng méi rén xìng !
"You've been ignoring us since you got a boyfriend. You are hiberdating!"

自从三个月前小梅跟韦德约会以来，我就一直没有过她的消息，真可谓有异性
没人性啊！
Zìcóng sān gè yuè qián xiǎoméi gēn wéi dé yuēhuì yǐlái, wǒ jiù yīzhí méiyǒuguò tā de xiāoxī,
zhēn kěwèi yǒu yìxìng méi rénxìng a!
"I haven't seen or heard from May since she started hiberdating Wade three months ago."

4. 脚踏两只船 (jiǎotàliǎng zhī chuán)

Literal translation: "step on two boats with two feet (one on each)"

English meaning: "two-timer; play the field"

Use this slang expression when describing someone who dates two people at the same time.

Sample Sentences:

你不能相信他，他经常脚踏两只船。
nǐ bùnéng xiāngxìn tā , tā jīngcháng jiǎotà liǎng zhī chuán.
"You shouldn't believe him, he's always two-timing."

那个军火走私者脚踏两只船，同时向伊拉克人和以色列人出售武器。
Nàgè jūnhuǒ zǒusī zhě jiǎo tà liǎng zhī chuán, tóngshí xiàng Yīlākè rén hé yǐsèliè rén chūshòu
wǔqì.
"The gun runner has a foot in both camps; he sells arms to both the Iraqi and the Israelis."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #7
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Colors, Part 2

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 7
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

黑哨 黑哨 hēishào unfair referee phrase

眼红 眼紅 yǎnhóng being jealous verb

灰头土脸 灰頭土臉 huītóutǔliǎn looking upset phrase

pretty and rich

白富美 白富美 bái fù měi woman phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

有黑哨的比赛不值得看。 她的男朋友非常帅，其他女孩都眼
Yǒu hēishào de bǐsài bù zhídé kàn. 红。
Tā de nán péngyǒu fēicháng shuài, qítā nǚhái
Matches with unfair referees don't deserve dōu yǎnhóng.
to be watched.
Her boyfriend is very handsome; other
girls envy her.

别因为这点小事就灰头土脸的。 他要找一个白富美做女朋友。
Bié yīnwèi zhè diǎn xiǎoshì jiù huītóutǔliǎn de. Tā yào zhǎo yīgè bái fùměi zuò nǚ péngyǒu.

Don't be so upset about such small things. He wants to find a rich and pretty woman
to be his girlfriend.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 黑哨 (hēishào)

Literal translation: "black whistle"

English meaning: "unfair referee"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a referee who is unfair.

Sample Sentences:

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

这球队因为黑哨才赢得比赛。
Zhè zhī qiú duì yīnwèi hēishào cái yíngdé bǐsài.
"This team won the game because of a biased referee."

有黑哨的比赛不值得看。
Yǒu hēishào de bǐsài bù zhídé kàn.
"Matches with unfair referees don't deserve to be watched."

2. 眼红 (yǎnhóng)

Literal translation: "eye red"

English meaning: "being jealous"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is jealous about others.

Sample Sentences:

他总是眼红有钱人。
Tā zǒng shì yǎnhóng yǒu qián rén.
"He's always jealous of rich people."

她的男朋友非常帅，其他女孩都眼红。
Tā de nán péngyǒu fēicháng shuài, qítā nǚhái dōu yǎnhóng.
"Her boyfriend is very handsome; other girls envy her."

3. 灰头土脸 (huītóutǔliǎn)

Literal translation: "dust head dirt face"

English meaning: "looking upset"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who looks depressed.

Sample Sentences:

他们输了比赛，灰头土脸地离开了。
Tāmen shūle bǐsài, huītóutǔliǎn de líkāile.
"They lost the match and left, looking very upset."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

别因为这点小事就灰头土脸的。
Bié yīnwèi zhè diǎn xiǎoshì jiù huītóutǔliǎn de.
"Don't be so upset for such small things."

4. 白富美 (bái fù měi)

Literal translation: "white rich pretty"

English meaning: "pretty and rich woman"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a woman who is rich and pretty.

Sample Sentences:

我的朋友是白富美。
Wǒ de péngyǒu shì bái fùměi.
"My friend is rich and pretty."

他要找一个白富美做女朋友。
Tā yào zhǎo yīgè bái fùměi zuò nǚ péngyǒu.
"He wants to find a rich and pretty woman to be his girlfriend."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #8
Chinese Slang Expressions Related
to Food, Part 1

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 8
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

to be killed;
完蛋 完蛋 wándàn finished; adjective
doomed

silly little thing;

小笨蛋 小笨蛋 xiǎo bèndàn little goofball phrase

shuài yòu bù can not charm

帅又不能当饭 帥又不能當飯 néng dāng fàn one's way phrase
吃 吃 chī through life

dāozizuǐ dòufu speaks harshly

刀子嘴豆腐心 刀子嘴豆腐心 xīn but means well phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

你又干坏事了，让你爸爸知道了你 J超人一般不用钥匙的，我的小笨
要完蛋了。 蛋。
Nǐ yòu gàn huàishì le, ràng nǐ bàba zhīdào le nǐ J chāorén yībān bùyòng yàoshi de, wǒ de xiǎo
yào wándàn le. bèndàn.

You're being naughty again, you'll be in The J-man doesn't usually need keys, my
trouble when your dad knows about it. little dumbbell pal.

A：你昨天见的那男人还不错啊， 你别难过，他只是刀子嘴豆腐心。
挺白，挺帅的。 Nǐ bié nánguò, tā zhǐshì dāozizuǐ dòufu xīn.
B：帅有啥用， 帅又不能当饭吃。 Don't be upset; he just talks harshly but
A: nǐ zuótiān jiàn de nà nánrén hái bùcuò a, tǐng
bái, tǐng shuài de. doesn't mean it.
B: shuài yǒu shà yòng, shuài yòu bùnéng dāng
fàn chī.

A: The man you saw yesterday is not bad,

very white and handsome.
B: Handsome is useless, you can't charm
your way through life.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

1. 完蛋 (wándàn)

Literal translation: "finish egg/finish zero"

English meaning: "to be killed; finished; doomed"

Use this slang expression when you try to describe something terrible is happening to you.

Sample Sentences:

我忘了我女朋友的生日！我完蛋了！
Wǒ wàng le Wǒ nǚpéngyou de shēngrì! Wǒ wándàn le!
"I forgot my girlfriend's birthday, I'm doomed!"

你又干坏事了，让你爸爸知道了你要完蛋了。
Nǐ yòu gàn huàishì le, ràng nǐ bàba zhīdào le nǐ yào wándàn le.
"You're being naughty again, you'll be in trouble when your dad knows about it."

2. 小笨蛋 (xiǎo bèndàn)

Literal translation: "little silly egg"

English meaning: "silly little thing; little goofball"

Use this slang expression when your girlfriend did something silly, in a cute way.

Sample Sentences:

你这个小笨蛋，又把汤溅到衣服上了。
nǐ zhège Xiǎo Bèndàn , yòu bǎ tāng jiān dào yīfu shàng le .
"Silly thing, you spilled soup on your clothes again."

J超人一般不用钥匙的，我的小笨蛋。
J chāorén yībān bùyòng yàoshi de, wǒ de xiǎo bèndàn.
"The J-man doesn't usually need keys, my little dumbbell pal."

3. 帅又不能当饭吃 (shuài yòu bù néng dāng fàn chī)

Literal translation: "pretty face can not feed you"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

English meaning: "can not charm one's way through life"

Use this slang expression when warning a female not to choose a partner based on his
appearance.

Sample Sentences:

Ａ：他太帅了，我要嫁给他。 Ｂ：别想了，帅又不能当饭吃。
Ａ: tā tài shuài le , Wǒ yào jiàgěi tā . Ｂ: bié xiǎng le , shuài yòu bù néng dāng fàn chī .
"Ａ: He is so handsome. I want to marry him. Ｂ: Forget about that. A pretty face can't feed
you."

A：你昨天见的那男人还不错啊，挺白，挺帅的。 B：帅有啥用， 帅又不能当饭

吃。
A: nǐ zuótiān jiàn de nà nánrén hái bùcuò a, tǐng bái, tǐng shuài de. B: shuài yǒu shà yòng,
shuài yòu bùnéng dāng fàn chī.
"A: The man you saw yesterday is not bad, very white and handsome. B: Handsome is
useless, you can't charm your way through life."

4. 刀子嘴豆腐心 (dāozizuǐ dòufu xīn)

Literal translation: "knife mouth tofu heart"

English meaning: "speaks harshly but means well"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who talk harshly but doesn't mean to
hurt others.

Sample Sentences:

我们了解她，她是刀子嘴豆腐心。
Wǒmen liǎojiě tā, tā shì dāozizuǐ dòufu xīn.
"We know her; she talks harshly but means well."

你别难过，他只是刀子嘴豆腐心。
Nǐ bié nánguò, tā zhǐshì dāozizuǐ dòufu xīn.
"Don't be upset; he just talks harshly but doesn't mean it."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #9
Chinese Slang Expressions Related
to Food, Part 2

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 9
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

粉丝 粉絲 fěn sī fans; admirer noun

none of my
business, it
打酱油 打醬油 dǎ jiàngyóu does not phrase
involve me, just
passing by

to dismiss
someone from
炒鱿鱼 炒魷魚 chǎoyóuyú the office; to fire verb
someone

have a long
Bāo diànhuà telephone
煲电话粥 煲電話粥 verb
zhōu conversation

SAMPLE SENTENCES

我的博客已经有不少粉丝关注了。 如果你只是想来打酱油，最好别加
Wǒde bókè yǐjīng yǒu bùshǎo fěnsī guānzhù le. 入我们团队。
Rúguǒ nǐ zhǐshì xiǎnglái dǎjiàngyóu, zuìhǎo bié
My blog has a lot of fans and followers. jiārù wǒmen tuánduì.

If you just plan to "play soy sauce", you'd

better not join our team.

他常在工作上出错，最后被炒鱿鱼 我不喜欢煲电话粥，因为太浪费时
了。 间了。
Tā chángzài gōngzuò shàng chūcuò, zuìhòu bèi Wǒ bùxǐhuān bāodiànhuàzhōu, yīnwèi tài làngfèi
chǎoyóuyú le. shíjiānle.

He often makes mistakes in his work, and I don't like to be constantly on the phone
finally got fired. because that wastes too much time.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

粉丝 (fěn sī)

Literal translation: "vermicelli"

English meaning: "fans; admirer"

Use this slang expression when someone likes or looks up to that person or thing.

Sample Sentences:

我是你的忠实粉丝。
Wǒ shì nǐ de zhōngshí fěnsī.
"I’m a huge fan of you."

我的博客已经有不少粉丝关注了。
Wǒde bókè yǐjīng yǒu bùshǎo fěnsī guānzhù le.
"My blog has a lot of fans and followers."

2. 打酱油 (dǎ jiàngyóu)

Literal translation: "get some soy sauce"

English meaning: "none of my business, it does not involve me, just passing by"

Use this slang expression when saying something is none of someone's business. It’s a
common Internet expression.

Sample Sentences:

别问我，我是出来打酱油的！
Bié wèn wǒ, wǒ shì chūlái dǎ jiàngyóu de!
"Don't ask me. I just passed by!"

如果你只是想来打酱油，最好别加入我们团队。
Rúguǒ nǐ zhǐshì xiǎnglái dǎjiàngyóu, zuìhǎo bié jiārù wǒmen tuánduì.
"If you just plan to "play soy sauce", you'd better not to join our team."

3. 炒鱿鱼 (chǎoyóuyú)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Literal translation: "stir-fried squid"

English meaning: "to dismiss someone from the office; to fire someone"

Use this slang expression when talking about dismissing or firing someone, or to be fired.

Sample Sentences:

我被公司炒鱿鱼了，欠了很多钱。
Wǒ bèi gōngsī chǎoyóuyú le, qiànle hěnduō qián.
"I got fired and I have tons of debts."

他常在工作上出错，最后被炒鱿鱼了。
Tā chángzài gōngzuò shàng chūcuò, zuìhòu bèi chǎoyóuyú le.
"He often make mistakes in his work, and finally got fired."

4. 煲电话粥 (Bāo diànhuà zhōu)

Literal translation: "phone porridge"

English meaning: "have a long telephone conversation"

Use this slang expression when someone has a long telephone conversation.

Sample Sentences:

她总和男友煲电话粥
Tā zǒnghé nányǒu bāo diànhuà zhōu.
"She's constantly on the phone with her boyfriend."

我不喜欢煲电话粥，因为太浪费时间了。
Wǒ bùxǐhuān bāodiànhuàzhōu, yīnwèi tài làngfèi shíjiānle.
"I don't like to be constantly on the phone because that wastes too much time."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #10
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Socializing

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 10
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

AA制 AA制 AA zhì go Dutch phrase

to be able to
drink a lot of
alcohol without
海量 海量 hǎiliàng getting drunk; phrase
have a hollow
leg; massive

to stand
放鸽子 放鴿子 fàng gēzi somebody up verb

to not leave
不见不散 不見不散 bújiàn bú sàn until seeing phrase
each other

SAMPLE SENTENCES

我们公司的同事中午一起吃饭都以 这份报告包含了海量细节。
AA制结账。 Zhè fèn bàogào bāohánle hǎiliàng xìjié.
Wǒmen gōngsī de tóngshì zhōngwǔ yīqǐ chīfàn
dōu shì AA zhì jiézhàng. This report contains massive details.

Our colleagues have lunch together, and

go Dutch when settling the bills.

他经常放人家鸽子。 你在车站等我，不见不散。
Tā jīngcháng fàng rénjiā gēzi. Nǐ zài chēzhàn děng wǒ, bújiàn bú sàn.

He often stands others up. Wait for me at the station; don't leave until
we meet.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. AA制 (AA zhì)

Literal translation: "AA system"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

English meaning: "go Dutch"

Use this slang expression when This report is too complicated.

Sample Sentences:

在中国，现在也很流行AA制。
zài Zhōngguó , xiànzài yě hěn liúxíng AAzhì .
"It's also popular to go Dutch in China, too."

我们公司的同事中午一起吃饭都以AA制结账。
Wǒmen gōngsī de tóngshì zhōngwǔ yīqǐ chīfàn dōu shì AA zhì jiézhàng.
"Our colleagues have lunch together, and go Dutch when settling the bills."

2. 海量 (hǎiliàng)

Literal translation: "ocean containment"

English meaning: "to be able to drink a lot of alcohol without getting drunk; have a hollow leg;
massive"

Use this expression to talk about someone who can drink a lot without getting drunk.

Sample Sentences:

他是海量，从来没有醉过。
Tā shì hǎiliàng, cónglái méiyǒuguòguò.
"He's got a hollow leg, he never gets drunk."

这份报告包含了海量细节。
Zhè fèn bàogào bāohánle hǎiliàng xìjié.
"This report contains massive details."

3. 放鸽子 (fàng gēzi)

Literal translation: "release pigeon"

English meaning: "to stand somebody up"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who didn't show up to meet others
as agreed.

Sample Sentences:

你昨天怎么放我鸽子？
Nǐ zuótiān zěnme fàng wǒ gēzi?
"Why didn't you show up to meet me yesterday?"

他经常放人家鸽子。
Tā jīngcháng fàng rénjiā gēzi.
"He often stands others up."

4. 不见不散 (bújiàn bú sàn)

Literal translation: "no see no leave"

English meaning: "to not leave until seeing each other"

Use this slang expression when you make a promise to meet with someone.

Sample Sentences:

好的，那我们明天不见不散。
Hǎo de, nà wǒmen míngtiān bújiàn bú sàn.
"Okay, then we shall meet tomorrow."

你在车站等我，不见不散。
Nǐ zài chēzhàn děng wǒ, bújiàn bú sàn.
"Wait for me at the station; don't leave until we meet."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #11
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Animals, Part 2

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 11
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

being extremely
excited or a
打鸡血 打雞血 dǎ jīxiě feeling of phrase
intensity

a careless or
马大哈 馬大哈 mǎ dà hā forgetful person adjective

do unnecessary
画蛇添足 畫蛇添足 huàshétiānzú things phrase

to reach two
yījiànshuāngdiā goals with one
一箭双雕 一箭雙雕 phrase
o move

SAMPLE SENTENCES

10个励志金句，看完给你打鸡血般 他可真够马大哈的，丢了钱包居然
的力量。 不知道。
Shígè lìzhì jīnjù, kànwán gěinǐ dǎjīxiě bān de Tā kě zhēn gòu mǎdàhā de, diūle qiánbāo jūrán
lìliàng. bù zhīdào.

Read the 10 inspirational quotes to cheer He is so careless! He didn't even realize

yourself up. he dropped his wallet.

这样已经完美了，不需要画蛇添 我想到了个一箭双雕的好主意。
足。 Wǒ xiǎngdàole gè yījiànshuāngdiāo de hǎo zhǔyì.
Zhèyàng yǐjīng wánměile, bù xūyào zài
huàshétiānzú. I've thought of a good idea that can kill two
birds with one stone.
It's already perfect; don't do unnecessary
things.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 打鸡血 (dǎ jīxiě)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Literal translation: "inject chicken blood"

English meaning: "being extremely excited or a feeling of intensity"

Use this slang expression when someone is full of energy or being extremely excited or
passionate about something. It’s a common internet expression.

Sample Sentences:

他每天都好像打了鸡血似的，工作起来干劲十足。
Tā měitiān doū hǎoxiàng dǎle jīxiě shì de, gōngzuò qǐlái gànjìng shízú.
"He is charging through his day, working energetically everyday."

10个励志金句，看完给你打鸡血般的力量。
Shígè lìzhì jīnjù, kànwán gěinǐ dǎjīxiě bān de lìliàng.
"Read the 10 inspirational quotes to cheer up yourself."

2. 马大哈 (mǎ dà hā)

Literal translation: "horse big yawn"

English meaning: "a careless or forgetful person"

Use this slang expression when someone is careless.

Sample Sentences:

对个人安全绝不可以马大哈！
Duì gèrén ānquán jué bù kěyǐ mǎdàhā!
"Never become careless of your own safety!"

他可真够马大哈的，丢了钱包居然不知道。
Tā kě zhēn gòu mǎdàhā de, diūle qiánbāo jūrán bù zhīdào.
"He is so careless! He didn't even realize he dropped his wallet."

3. 画蛇添足 (huàshétiānzú)

Literal translation: "draw snake add feet"

English meaning: "do unnecessary things"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when you criticize someone for doing things that aren't necessary.

Sample Sentences:

你这么做是在画蛇添足。
Nǐ zhème zuò shì zài huàshétiānzú.
"What you are doing is unnecessary."

这样已经完美了，不需要画蛇添足。
Zhèyàng yǐjīng wánměile, bù xūyào zài huàshétiānzú.
"It's already perfect; don't do unnecessary things."

4. 一箭双雕 (yījiànshuāngdiāo)

Literal translation: "one arrow two eagles"

English meaning: "to reach two goals with one move"

Use this slang expression when you talk about doing one thing to meet two purposes.

Sample Sentences:

这个方法可以一箭双雕。
Zhège fāngfǎ kěyǐ yījiànshuāngdiāo.
"This method can kill two birds with one stone."

我想到了个一箭双雕的好主意。
Wǒ xiǎngdàole gè yījiànshuāngdiāo de hǎo zhǔyì.
"I've thought of a good idea that can kill two birds with one stone."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #12
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Studying

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 12
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

天书 天書 tiānshū complex writing noun

someone who
学霸 學霸 xué bà studies very noun
hard

Huó dào lǎo You're never

活到老学到老 活到老學到老 xué dào lǎo too old to learn phrase

taking notes is
好记性不如烂 好記性不如爛 hǎo jìxìng bùrú better than
relying on good phrase
笔头 筆頭 làn bǐtóu
memory

SAMPLE SENTENCES

这报告像天书似的。 学霸总是呆在图书馆。
Zhè bàogào xiàng tiānshū shì de. Xué bà zǒng shì dāi zài túshū guǎn.

This report is as illegible as hieroglyphics. Hardworking students always stay in the

library.

那位长者的故事给我们的启示是活 上课做笔记是很有用的，好记性不
到老学到老。 如烂笔头。
Nàwèi zhǎngzhě de gùshì gěi wǒmen de qǐshì shì Shàngkè zuò bǐjì shì hěn yǒuyòng de, hǎo jìxìng
“huó dào lǎo xué dào lǎo”. bùrú làn bǐtóu.

The message of the elder's story is that Taking notes is important during class; it's
"you're never too old to learn." better than relying on a good memory.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 天书 (tiānshū)

Literal translation: "a book from heaven"

English meaning: "complex writing"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Use this slang expression when the contents of a book are very difficult to understand.

Sample Sentences:

我小时候理科很差，物理书对我来说就像天书一样。
Wǒ xiǎo shíhou lǐkēhěn chā , wùlǐ shū duì wǒ láishuō jiù xiàng tiānshūyīyàng.
"I was really bad at science when I was young. The Physics textbooks were all too complex."

这报告像天书似的。
Zhè bàogào xiàng tiānshū shì de.
"This report is as illegible as hieroglyphics."

2. 学霸 (xué bà)

Literal translation: "study tyrant"

English meaning: "someone who studies very hard"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is very hardworking in study.

Sample Sentences:

她是我们班上的学霸。
Tā shì wǒmen bān shàng de xué bà.
"She's a hardworking student in our class."

学霸总是呆在图书馆。
Xué bà zǒng shì dāi zài túshū guǎn.
"Hardworking students always stay in the library."

3. 活到老学到老 (Huó dào lǎo xué dào lǎo)

Literal translation: "live until old, learn until old"

English meaning: "You're never too old to learn"

Use this slang expression when talking about keeping up studying something, It is never too
old to learn.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Sample Sentences:

学习英语，就要活到老学到老。
Xuéxí yīngyǔ, jiù yào huó dào lǎo xué dào lǎo.
"You are never too old to study English."

那位长者的故事给我们的启示是活到老学到老。
Nàwèi zhǎngzhě de gùshì gěi wǒmen de qǐshì shì “huó dào lǎo xué dào lǎo”.
"The message of the elder's story is that "you're never too old to learn."

4. 好记性不如烂笔头 (hǎo jìxìng bùrú làn bǐtóu)

Literal translation: "good memory is not better than broken pen tip"

English meaning: "taking notes is better than relying on good memory"

Use this slang expression when you express that making notes is important.

Sample Sentences:

我们老师经常说，好记性不如烂笔头。
Wǒmen lǎoshī jīngcháng shuō, hǎo jìxìng bùrú làn bǐtóu.
"Our teacher often says that making notes is better than a good memory."

上课做笔记是很有用的，好记性不如烂笔头。
Shàngkè zuò bǐjì shì hěn yǒuyòng de, hǎo jìxìng bùrú làn bǐtóu.
"Taking notes is important during class; it's better than relying on a good memory."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #13
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Clothing

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 13
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

to flatter; to
戴高帽子 戴高帽子 dài gāomàozi receive flattery verb
or compliment

uncorrupted;
两袖清风 兩袖清風 liǎngxiùqīngfēng moral phrase

giving someone
穿小鞋 穿小鞋 chuānxiǎoxié a hard time phrase

小棉袄 小棉襖 xiǎo mián'ǎo the beloved noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES

要小心那些喜欢给人带高帽子的 他是一位两袖清风的好官。
人。 Tā shì yī wèi liǎngxiùqīngfēng de hǎo guān.
Yào xiǎoxīn nàxiē xǐhuān gěirén dài gāomàozi de
rén. He is a good uncorrupted official.

Be careful of those who like to flatter.

我不敢投诉他，怕他之后给我穿小 老婆是他的小棉袄。
鞋。 Lǎopó shì tā de xiǎo mián'ǎo.
Wǒ bù gǎn tóusù tā, pà tā zhīhòu gěi wǒ
chuānxiǎoxié. His wife is his beloved.

I dare not make a complaint about him; I'm

afraid he'll get revenge on me.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 戴高帽子 (dài gāomàozi)

Literal translation: "wear tall hats"

English meaning: "to flatter; to receive flattery or compliment"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Use this slang expression when flatter somebody or receive flattery face to face.

Sample Sentences:

别给我戴高帽子了。
Bié gěi wǒ dài gāomàozi le.
"Don't flatter me any more."

要小心那些喜欢给人带高帽子的人。
Yào xiǎoxīn nàxiē xǐhuān gěirén dài gāomàozi de rén.
"Be careful of those who like to flatter."

2. 两袖清风 (liǎngxiùqīngfēng)

Literal translation: "two sleeves breeze"

English meaning: "uncorrupted, moral"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is moral and never takes
bribes.

Sample Sentences:

他二十年，一直都是两袖清风。
Tā zuò guān èrshí nián, yīzhí dōu shì liǎngxiùqīngfēng.
"He has always been moral and never corrupted in the twenty years of his career."

他是一位两袖清风的好官。
Tā shì yī wèi liǎngxiùqīngfēng de hǎo guān.
"He is a good uncorrupted official."

3. 穿小鞋 (chuānxiǎoxié)

Literal translation: "wear small shoes"

English meaning: "giving someone a hard time"

Use this slang expression when talk about getting revenge by giving someone a hard time.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Sample Sentences:

他上次让经理难堪，现在经理给他穿小鞋。
Tā shàng cì ràng jīnglǐ nánkān, xiànzài jīnglǐ gěi tā chuānxiǎoxié.
"He embarrassed the manager last time; now the manager is giving him a hard time."

我不敢投诉他，怕他之后给我穿小鞋。
Wǒ bù gǎn tóusù tā, pà tā zhīhòu gěi wǒ chuānxiǎoxié.
"I dare not make a complaint about him; I'm afraid he'll get revenge with me."

4. 小棉袄 (xiǎo mián'ǎo)

Literal translation: "small cotton jacket"

English meaning: "the beloved"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is much loved by his close
family.

Sample Sentences:

女儿是父母的小棉袄。
Nǚ'ér shì fùmǔ de xiǎo mián'ǎo.
"A daughter is much loved by her parents."

老婆是他的小棉袄。
Lǎopó shì tā de xiǎo mián'ǎo.
"His wife is his beloved."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #14
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Weather

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 14
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

毛毛雨 毛毛雨 máomáoyǔ an easy job phrase

晴空万里 晴空萬里 qíngkōng wànlǐ sunny phrase

xuěshàngjiāshu to make a bad

雪上加霜 雪上加霜 āng situation worse phrase

everything goes
一帆风顺 一帆風順 yīfānfēngshùn smoothly phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

这只是毛毛雨。 今天晴空万里，我们应该出去走
Zhè zhǐshì máomaoyǔ. 走。
Jīntiān qíngkōng wànlǐ, wǒmen yīnggāi chūqù zǒu
It's just a drizzle. / It's an easy job. zǒu.

It's sunny today; we should go out and

walk around.

他的钱用完了，雪上加霜的是，手 她的生活一帆风顺。
机也没电了。 Tā de shēnghuó yīfānfēngshùn.
Tā de qián yòng wánliǎo, xuěshàngjiāshuāng de
shì, shǒujī yě méi diànle. Her life has been very smooth.

He's spent all his money, and what's

worse is that his phone has also ran out of
battery.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 毛毛雨 (máomáoyǔ)

Literal translation: "drizzle"

English meaning: "an easy job"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Use this slang expression when describing an easy task.

Sample Sentences:

他每天早上锻炼两个小时肌肉后再去上班，这点训练量对他来说就像毛毛雨。
tā měi tiān zǎoshang duànliàn liǎng ge xiǎoshí jīròu hòu zài qù shàngbān , zhè diǎn xùnliàn
liàng duì tā láishuō jiù xiàng máomáoyǔ .
"He spends 2 hours to do muscle training before going to work every morning. To him, this
training is nothing."

这只是毛毛雨。
Zhè zhǐshì máomaoyǔ.
"It's just a drizzle. / It's an easy job."

2. 晴空万里 (qíngkōng wànlǐ)

Literal translation: "sunny sky ten thousand miles"

English meaning: "sunny"

Use this slang expression when you talk about good weather.

Sample Sentences:

今天天气真好，晴空万里。
Jīntiān tiānqì zhēn hǎo, qíngkōng wànlǐ.
"Today’s weather is so nice and sunny."

今天晴空万里，我们应该出去走走。
Jīntiān qíngkōng wànlǐ, wǒmen yīnggāi chūqù zǒu zǒu.
"It's sunny today; we should go out and walk around."

3. 雪上加霜 (xuěshàngjiāshuāng)

Literal translation: "add frost above snow"

English meaning: "to make a bad situation worse"

Use this slang expression when you talk about something that makes a bad situation even

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

worse.

Sample Sentences:

他刚刚失业，现在又生病了，真是雪上加霜。
Tā gānggāng shīyè, xiànzài yòu shēngbìngle, zhēnshi xuěshàngjiāshuāng.
"He just lost his job, and now he is sick, which really makes things worse."

他的钱用完了，雪上加霜的是，手机也没电了。
Tā de qián yòng wánliǎo, xuěshàngjiāshuāng de shì, shǒujī yě méi diànle.
"He's spent all his money, and what's worse is that his phone has also ran out of battery."

4. 一帆风顺 (yīfānfēngshùn)

Literal translation: "sail wind smooth"

English meaning: "everything goes smoothly"

Use this slang expression when you wish people that everything goes well.

Sample Sentences:

祝你一帆风顺。
Zhù nǐ yīfānfēngshùn.
"Wish you all the best."

她的生活一帆风顺。
Tā de shēnghuó yīfānfēngshùn.
"Her life has been very smooth."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #15
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Daily Life

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 15
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

wake up on the
起床气 起床氣 qǐchuáng qì wrong side of phrase
the bed

shuì dào zìrán to wake up

睡到自然醒 睡到自然醒 xǐng without an alarm phrase

神器 神器 shénqì very useful tool noun

mobile phone
低头族 低頭族 dītóu zú addicts noun

SAMPLE SENTENCES

"A：你干嘛冲我发火啊？我做错了 我可以在周末睡到自然醒。
啥？ Wǒ kěyǐ zài zhōumò shuì dào zìrán xǐng.
B：不好意思哈，我这是起床气。" I can wake up without an alarm during the
"Ａ: Nǐ gàn ma chòng wǒ fāhuǒ a？Wǒ zuò cuò le
weekend.
shá?
B: Bù hǎoyìsi hā, wǒ zhè shì qǐchuáng qì."

"A: Why are you getting mad at me? Did I

do something wrong?
B: Sorry, I got up on the wrong side of the
bed."

这个烧烤神器非常贵。 低头族开车看手机很危险。
Zhège shāokǎo shénqì fēicháng guì. Dītóu zú kāichē kàn shǒujī hěn wéixiǎn.

This useful barbecue tool is very It's very dangerous when mobile addicts
expensive. look at their phones while driving.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 起床气 (qǐchuáng qì)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Literal translation: "wake up angry"

English meaning: "wake up on the wrong side of the bed"

Use this slang expression when someone wakes up with a bad temper.

Sample Sentences:

他有起床气，所以在他刚起床后最好别惹他。
tā yǒu qǐchuáng qì , suǒyǐ zài tā gāng qǐchuáng hòu zuì hǎo bié rě tā .

"He often wakes up in a bad mood, so you'd better not offend him right after he gets up."

A：你干嘛冲我发火啊？我做错了啥？
B：不好意思哈，我这是起床气。
Ａ: Nǐ gàn ma chòng wǒ fāhuǒ a？Wǒ zuò cuò le shá?
B: Bù hǎoyìsi hā, wǒ zhè shì qǐchuáng qì.

"A: Why are you getting mad at me? Did I do something wrong?
B: Sorry, I got up on the wrong side of the bed."

2. 睡到自然醒 (shuì dào zìrán xǐng)

Literal translation: "sleep till naturally wake up"

English meaning: "to wake up without an alarm"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when you talk about how one wakes up.

Sample Sentences:

我想要天天睡到自然醒。
Wǒ xiǎng yào tiāntiān shuì dào zìrán xǐng.

"I want to wake up every day without an alarm."

我可以在周末睡到自然醒。
Wǒ kěyǐ zài zhōumò shuì dào zìrán xǐng.

"I can wake up without an alarm during the weekend."

3. 神器 (shénqì)

Literal translation: "god machine"

English meaning: "very useful tool"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a tool that is very useful.

Sample Sentences:

这个软件是拍照神器。
Zhège ruǎnjiàn shì pāizhào shénqì.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

"This software is great at taking photos."

这个烧烤神器非常贵。
Zhège shāokǎo shénqì fēicháng guì.

"This useful barbecue tool is very expensive."

4. 低头族 (dītóu zú)

Literal translation: "head down clan"

English meaning: "mobile phone addicts"

Use this slang expression when you talk about people who are obsessed using their mobile
phones.

Sample Sentences:

如今低头族越来越多了。
Rújīn dītóu zú yuè lái yuè duōle.

"Nowadays, there are more and more people who are addicted to mobile phones."

低头族开车看手机很危险。
Dītóu zú kāichē kàn shǒujī hěn wéixiǎn.

"It's very dangerous when mobile addicts look at their phones while driving."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 5

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #16
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Making Plans

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 16
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

dào shí kàn zhe

到时看着办 到時看著辦 bàn play it by ear phrase

to take a rain
改天吧 改天吧 gǎitiān ba check phrase

再说 再說 zàishuō talk later phrase

一言为定 一言為定 yì yán wéi dìng it's a deal phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

看样子快下雨了。糟糕，我出门时 现在很晚了，还是改天吧。
忘了带伞了。没办法，到时看着办 Xiànzài hěn wǎn le, háishì gǎitiān ba.
吧。 It's pretty late today, maybe another time.
Kàn yàngzi kuài xià yǔ le. Zāogāo, wǒ chūmén
shí wàngle dài sǎn le. Méi bànfǎ, dào shí kànzhe
bàn ba.

It looks like it's going to rain. Too bad I

forgot to bring my umbrella. Nothing I can
do now but play it by ear.

现在我先不考虑，以后再说。 那我们就一言为定，你别反悔。
Xiànzài wǒ xiān bù kǎolǜ, yǐhòu zàishuō. Nà wǒmen jiù yì yán wéi dìng, nǐ bié fǎnhuǐ.

I won't consider it now; I shall see later. Then we have a deal; don't you change
your mind.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 到时看着办 (dào shí kàn zhe bàn)

Literal translation: "when the time comes, watch and do"

English meaning: "play it by ear"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Use this slang expression when one is in a situation with no plan, and decides to play it by
the ear. plan, and decides to play it by the ear.

Sample Sentences:

我还没决定他来时要说什么，到时看着办吧。
Wǒ hái méi juédìng tā lái shí yào shuō shénme , dào shí kàn zhe bàn ba.
"I haven't decided what to say when he comes; I'll play it by ear."

看样子快下雨了。糟糕，我出门时忘了带伞了。没办法，到时看着办吧。
Kàn yàngzi kuài xià yǔ le. Zāogāo, wǒ chūmén shí wàngle dài sǎn le. Méi bànfǎ, dào shí
kànzhe bàn ba.
"It looks like it's going to rain. Too bad I forgot to bring my umbrella. Nothing I can do now but
play it by ear."

2. 改天吧 (gǎitiān ba)

Literal translation: "change day"

English meaning: "to take a rain check"

Use this slang expression when you want to change the date for an appointment.

Sample Sentences:

A:明天一起去看电影吧。 B:对不起，不巧明天有事。改天吧。
A: míngtiān yìqǐ qù kàn diànyǐng ba. B: Duìbùqǐ, bùqiǎo míngtiān yǒushì. gǎitiān ba.
"A: Let's go and watch a film tomorrow. B: Sorry, I can't make it tomorrow. Let's do it some
other day."

现在很晚了，还是改天吧。
Xiànzài hěn wǎn le, háishì gǎitiān ba.
"It's pretty late today, maybe another time."

3. 再说 (zàishuō)

Literal translation: "again talk"

English meaning: "talk later"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when you try to delay discussing about a topic.

Sample Sentences:

这个问题再说吧。
Zhège wèntí zàishuō ba.
"Let's talk about this issue later."

现在我先不考虑，以后再说。
Xiànzài wǒ xiān bù kǎolǜ, yǐhòu zàishuō.
"I won't consider it now; I shall see later."

4. 一言为定 (yì yán wéi dìng)

Literal translation: "one saying is settled"

English meaning: "it's a deal"

Use this slang expression when you have made a deal with others.

Sample Sentences:

好的，一言为定，明天见。
Hǎo de, yì yán wéi dìng, míngtiān jiàn.
"Okay, deal. See you tomorrow."

那我们就一言为定，你别反悔。
Nà wǒmen jiù yì yán wéi dìng, nǐ bié fǎnhuǐ.
"Then we have a deal; don't you change your mind."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #17
Chinese Slang Expressions Related
to the Internet

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 17
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

恶搞 惡搞 ègǎo prank verb

to make
吐槽 吐槽 tǔ cáo complaints verb

to break the
news; tip-off;
爆料 爆料 bào liào explosive verb
revelations

courting envy;
boasting,
拉仇恨 拉仇恨 lā chóuhèn aiming to make phrase
others envious

SAMPLE SENTENCES

小王在班里喜欢恶搞是出了名的。 不少人喜欢在网上吐槽。
XiǎoWáng zài bānli xǐhuān ègǎo shì chū le míng Bùshǎorén xǐhuān zài wǎngshàng tǔcáo.
de.
Many people prefer online gossip.
Wang is famous for doing pranks in class.

这些爆料属实。 我们饿着肚子工作，你却在这里秀
Zhèxiē bàoliào shǔshí. 美食照，这是在拉仇恨啊！
Wǒmen èzhe dùzi gōngzuò, nǐ què zài zhèlǐ xiù
The revelations are true. měishízhào, zhè shì zài lā chóuhèn a！

We are working with an empty stomach,

while you are here showing off your
delicious food photos. That’s just courting
envy!

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 恶搞 (ègǎo)

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Literal translation: "evil doing"

English meaning: "prank"

Use this slang expression when you want to refer to a prank, parody, or mischiefs.

Sample Sentences:

Youtube上的恶搞视频
Youtube shàng de ègǎoshìpín
"prank videos on YouTube"

小王在班里喜欢恶搞是出了名的。
XiǎoWáng zài bānli xǐhuān ègǎo shì chū le míng de.
"Wang is famous for doing pranks in class."

2. 吐槽 (tǔ cáo)

Literal translation: "spit into a tank "

English meaning: "to make complaints"

Use this slang expression when someone complains, defiles or abuses others, or complains
about something.

Sample Sentences:

最近工作不顺利，很想找个朋友吐槽一下。
Zuìjìn gōngzuò bù shùnlì, hěn xiǎng zhǎo gè péngyǒu tǔcáo yīxià.
"Work is not going well recently, I want to meet a friend and vent about it."

不少人喜欢在网上吐槽。
Bùshǎorén xǐhuān zài wǎngshàng tǔcáo.
"Many people prefer online gossip."

3. 爆料 (bào liào)

Literal translation: "broke the news"

English meaning: "to break the news; tip-off; explosive revelations"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when little known information is exposed through the media.

Sample Sentences:

一位网友爆料，那位电影明星来了伦敦!
Yī wèi wǎngyǒu bàoliào, nà wèi diànyǐng míngxīng láile lúndūn!
"A netizen claimed, the film star came to London!"

这些爆料属实。
Zhèxiē bàoliào shǔshí.
"The revelations are true."

4. 拉仇恨 (lā chóuhèn)

Literal translation: "pull hatred"

English meaning: "boasting, aiming to make others envious."

Use this slang expression when someone boasts to their friends in order to make them
jealous. It’s mostly used in internet blogs or while chatting.

Sample Sentences:

这简直是在拉仇恨嘛。
Zhè jiǎnzhí shìzài lā chóuhèn ma.
"This is just boasting."

我们饿着肚子工作，你却在这里秀美食照，这是在拉仇恨啊！
Wǒmen èzhe dùzi gōngzuò, nǐ què zài zhèlǐ xiù měishízhào, zhè shì zài lā chóuhèn a！
"We are working with an empty stomach, while you are here showing off your delicious food
photos. That’s just courting envy!"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #18
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Hobbies

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 18
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

to follow the
赶时髦 趕時髦 gǎn shímáo fashion verb

fancier; audiophi
发烧友 發燒友 fā shāo yǒu le; music lover noun

3-minute
passion (losing
sān fēnzhōng interest in
三分钟热度 三分鐘熱度 phrase
rèdù passions or
hobbies quickly)

不感冒 不感冒 Bù gǎnmào have no interest adjective

SAMPLE SENTENCES

为赶时髦她花费了不少钱。 这些汽车发烧友最近组织了一个俱
Wèi gǎnshímáo tā huāfèi le bù shǎo qián. 乐部。
Zhèxiē qìchē fāshāoyǒu zuìjìn zǔzhīle yígè
She spends a lot of money catching up jùlèbù.
with fashion.
These car lovers have recently organized
a club.

他做这件事仅仅是三分钟热度，很 我对那个表演不感冒。
快他就忘掉了。 Wǒ duì nàgè biǎoyǎn bùgǎnmào.
Tā zuò zhèjiànshì jǐnjǐn shì sānfēnzhōng rèdù,
hěnkuài tā jiù wàngdiào le. I have no interest in that show.

He did it with three minutes of passion,

and soon he forgot it.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 赶时髦 (gǎn shímáo)

Literal translation: "catch up with fashion"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

English meaning: "to follow fashion"

Use this slang expression when talking about the pursuit of fashion or a fashionable habit.
The word sometimes has a derogatory meaning.

Sample Sentences:

年轻人喜欢赶时髦。
Niánqīng rén xǐhuān gǎnshímáo.
"Young people like to follow fashion."

为赶时髦她花费了不少钱。
Wèi gǎnshímáo tā huāfèi le bù shǎo qián.
"She spends a lot of money catching up with fashion."

2. 发烧友 (fā shāo yǒu)

Literal translation: "fever friend"

English meaning: "fancier; audiophile; music lover"

Use this slang expression when someone has a special interest in music.

Sample Sentences:

你是歌剧发烧友吗？
Nǐ shì gējù fāshāoyǒu ma?
"Are you an opera lover?"

这些汽车发烧友最近组织了一个俱乐部。
Zhèxiē qìchē fāshāoyǒu zuìjìn zǔzhīle yígè jùlèbù.
"These car lovers have recently organized a club."

3. 三分钟热度 (sān fēnzhōng rèdù)

Literal translation: "three-minute heat"

English meaning: "3-minute passion, losing interest in passions or hobbies quickly"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Use this slang expression when describe the type of situation in which a person feels
passionate about someone or something, but then quickly loses interest.

Sample Sentences:

他做事常常是三分钟热度，所以每一件事都是半途而废。
Tā zuòshì chángcháng shì sān fēnzhōng rèdù, suǒyǐ měi yī jiàn shì dōu shì bàntú'érfèi.
"He always does things with three minutes of passion, so everything ends up halfway done."

他做这件事仅仅是三分钟热度，很快他就忘掉了。
Tā zuò zhèjiànshì jǐnjǐn shì sānfēnzhōng rèdù, hěnkuài tā jiù wàngdiào le.
"He did it with three minutes of passion, and soon he forgot it."

4. 不感冒 (Bù gǎnmào)

Literal translation: "not cold"

English meaning: "have no interest"

Use this slang expression when someone has no interest in someone or something.

Sample Sentences:

我实在是对这些食物不感冒。
Wǒ shízài shì duì zhèxiē shíwù bù gǎnmào.
"I simply have no appetite for such things."

我对那个表演不感冒。
Wǒ duì nàgè biǎoyǎn bùgǎnmào.
"I have no interest on that show."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #19
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Feelings

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 19
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

boring;
无聊 無聊 wúliáo nonsense adjective

囧 囧 jiǒng awkward adjective

心塞 心塞 xīn sāi upset adjective

心花怒放 心花怒放 xīnhuānùfàng elated; thrilled adjective

SAMPLE SENTENCES

整天呆在家里，他感到无聊透了。 今天股票又跌了，真囧…
Zhěng tiān dāi zài jiālǐ, tā gǎndào wúliáo tòule. Jīntiān gǔpiào yòu diēle, zhēn jiǒng...

He is bored staying at home all day. The stock dropped again today, it's
depressing...

快没钱了，我感觉很心塞。 他心花怒放地把这个好消息告诉所
Kuài méi qiánle, wǒ gǎnjué hěn xīn sāi. 有人。
Tā xīnhuānùfàng de bǎ zhège hǎo xiāoxi gàosu
I'm running out of money soon; I feel very suǒyǒu rén.
bad.
He excitedly told everyone the good news.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 无聊 (wúliáo)

Literal translation: "nothing to talk"

English meaning: "boring; nonsense"

Use this slang expression when describing a meaningless action one does when they are
bored.

Sample Sentences:

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

你没事撕纸玩，还真无聊。
nǐ méishì sī zhǐ wán , hái zhēn wúliáo.
"It's nonsense to tear paper just because you have nothing better to do."

整天呆在家里，他感到无聊透了。
Zhěng tiān dāi zài jiālǐ, tā gǎndào wúliáo tòule.
"He is bored staying at home all day."

2. 囧 (jiǒng)

Literal translation: "bright"

English meaning: "awkward"

Use this slang expression when speaking on the Internet as an emoticon representing
“awkward,” “disappointed,” or “frustrated,” as the character resembles a person's face.

Sample Sentences:

这件事太囧了。
zhè jiàn shì tài jiǒng le.
"This is too awkward."

今天股票又跌了，真囧…
Jīntiān gǔpiào yòu diēle, zhēn jiǒng...
"The stock dropped again today, it's depressing..."

3. 心塞 (xīn sāi)

Literal translation: "heart blocked"

English meaning: "upset"

Use this slang expression when you express an upset feeling.

Sample Sentences:

这电影看得我心塞。
Zhè diànyǐng kàn de wǒ xīn sāi.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

"This movie makes me upset."

快没钱了，我感觉很心塞。
Kuài méi qiánle, wǒ gǎnjué hěn xīn sāi.
"I'm running out of money soon; I feel very bad."

4. 心花怒放 (xīnhuānùfàng)

Literal translation: "heart flower angrily open"

English meaning: "elated; thrilled"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who is very happy.

Sample Sentences:

一听到自己得奖了，他心花怒放。
Yī tīng dào zìjǐ dé jiǎngle, tā xīnhuānùfàng.
"Upon hearing that he won the prize, he was elated."

他心花怒放地把这个好消息告诉所有人。
Tā xīnhuānùfàng de bǎ zhège hǎo xiāoxi gàosu suǒyǒu rén.
"He excitedly told everyone the good news."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #20
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Talking

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 20
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

嘴硬 嘴硬 zuǐyìng stubborn adjective

shuō ...de badmouth

说...的坏话 說...的壞話 huàihuà somebody phrase

to talk about an
哪壶不开提哪 哪壺不開提哪 nǎ hú bù kāi tí inappropriate phrase
壶 壺 nǎ hú topic

吹牛 吹牛 chuīniú to boast verb

SAMPLE SENTENCES

他明明做错事了，可是还嘴硬，不 我怀疑她们在我背后说我的坏话。
肯认错。 Wǒ huáiyí tāmen zài wǒ bèihòu shuō wǒ de
Tā míngmíng zuò cuò shìle, kěshì huán zuǐyìng, huàihuà.
bù kěn rèncuò.
I suspect they are saying bad things about
He obviously did something wrong, but me behind my back.
he's stubborn and refused to admit it.

我哪壶不开提哪壶，问珊娜她的狗 他总是喜欢吹牛。
好吗，忘了它上个月去世了。 Tā zǒng shì xǐhuan chuīniú.
Wǒ nǎ hú bù kāi tí nǎ hú, wèn shān nà tā de gǒu
hǎo ma, wàngle tā shàng gè yuè qùshìle. He always brags.

I dropped a clanger by asking Shana how

her dog was, forgetting that it past away
last month.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 嘴硬 (zuǐyìng)

Literal translation: "mouth hard"

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

English meaning: "stubborn"

Use this slang expression when someone is being stubborn and refuses to give in or
apologize.

Sample Sentences:

他的嘴特别硬，打死他都不肯认错。
Tā de zuǐ tèbié yìng , dǎsǐ tā dōu bù kěn rèncuò .

"He is so stubborn; he never admits that he’s wrong."

他明明做错事了，可是还嘴硬，不肯认错。
Tā míngmíng zuò cuò shìle, kěshì huán zuǐyìng, bù kěn rèncuò.

"He obviously did something wrong, but he's stubborn and refused to admit that."

2. 说 ...的坏话 (shuō ...de huàihuà)

Literal translation: "say bad words"

English meaning: "badmouth somebody"

Use this slang expression when someone is talking behind someone's back.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Sample Sentences:

我从来没说过任何人的坏话。
Wǒ cónglái méi shuō guò rènhérén de huàihuà .

"I’ve never said bad things about anyone."

我怀疑她们在我背后说我的坏话。
Wǒ huáiyí tāmen zài wǒ bèihòu shuō wǒ de huàihuà.

"I suspect they are saying bad things about me behind my back."

3. 哪壶不开提哪壶 (nǎ hú bù kāi tí nǎ hú)

Literal translation: "taking a pot that is not the boiled one"

English meaning: "to talk about an inappropriate topic"

Use this slang expression when someone says something that should not be mentioned.

Sample Sentences:

你真是哪壶不开提哪壶。
nǐ zhēnshì nǎ hú bù kāi tí nǎ hú.

"You were talking about an inappropriate topic."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

我哪壶不开提哪壶，问珊娜她的狗好吗，忘了它上个月去世了。
Wǒ nǎ hú bù kāi tí nǎ hú, wèn shān nà tā de gǒu hǎo ma, wàngle tā shàng gè yuè qùshìle.

"I dropped a clanger by asking Shana how her dog was, forgetting that it past away last
month."

4. 吹牛 (chuīniú)

Literal translation: "blow cow"

English meaning: "to boast"

Use this slang expression when someone is boasting or showing off.

Sample Sentences:

别把他的话当真，他在吹牛。
Bié bǎ tā dehuà dàngzhēn, tā zài chuīniú.

"Don't take his words seriously; he is bragging."

他总是喜欢吹牛。
Tā zǒng shì xǐhuan chuīniú.

"He always brags."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 5

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #21
Chinese Slang Expressions Using
Body Parts

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 21
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

易如反掌 易如反掌 yìrúfǎnzhǎng very easy adjective

person who
毒舌 毒舌 dúshé criticizes others adjective
harshly

to not listen
zuǒ ěr jìn yòu ěr carefully to
左耳进右耳出 左耳進右耳出 phrase
chū others

抢眼 搶眼 qiǎngyǎn eye-catching adjective

SAMPLE SENTENCES

赢得这场比赛是易如反掌的事。 我不喜欢毒舌的人。
Yíngdé zhè chǎng bǐsài shì yìrúfǎnzhǎng de shì. Wǒ bù xǐhuan dúshé de rén.

It's very easy to win this match. I don't like people who talk harshly about
others.

别把他的话放在心上，左耳进右耳 他在比赛中的表现非常抢眼。
出。 Tā zài bǐsài zhōng de biǎoxiàn fēicháng
Bié bǎ tā dehuà fàng zàixīn shàng, zuǒ ěr jìn yòu qiǎngyǎn.
ěr chū.
His performance in the match was very
Don't take his words seriously; forget impressive.
about what he's said.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 易如反掌 (yìrúfǎnzhǎng)

Literal translation: "easy like turning palm"

English meaning: "very easy"

Use this slang expression when you talk about something is very easy to do.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

Sample Sentences:

这件事对他来说易如反掌。
Zhè jiàn shì duì tā lái shuō yìrúfǎnzhǎng.
"This is very easy for him."

赢得这场比赛是易如反掌的事。
Yíngdé zhè chǎng bǐsài shì yìrúfǎnzhǎng de shì.
"It's very easy to win this match."

2. 毒舌 (dúshé)

Literal translation: "toxic tongue"

English meaning: "person who criticizes others harshly"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who makes harsh comments to
others.

Sample Sentences:

这个选秀节目里有一个毒舌评委。
Zhège xuǎnxiù jiémù li yǒu yīgè dúshé píngwěi.
"This talent show has a judge who makes harsh comments."

我不喜欢毒舌的人。
Wǒ bù xǐhuan dúshé de rén.
"I don't like people who talk harshly about others."

3. 左耳进右耳出 (zuǒ ěr jìn yòu ěr chū)

Literal translation: "left ear in right ear out"

English meaning: "to not listen carefully to others"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone who doesn't listen to what others
have said to him.

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

Sample Sentences:

父母对他说的话，他左耳进右耳出。
Fùmǔ duì tā shuō dehuà, tā zuǒ ěr jìn yòu ěr chū.
"He doesn't listen to what his parents say to him."

别把他的话放在心上，左耳进右耳出。
Bié bǎ tā dehuà fàng zàixīn shàng, zuǒ ěr jìn yòu ěr chū.
"Don't take his words seriously; forget about what he's said."

4. 抢眼 (qiǎngyǎn)

Literal translation: "rob eye"

English meaning: "eye-catching"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone or something that is very eye-
catching.

Sample Sentences:

她穿这条裙子很抢眼。
Tā chuān zhè tiáo qúnzi zài jùhuì shàng hěn qiǎngyǎn.
"She is very eye-catching wearing this dress at the party."

他在比赛中的表现非常抢眼。
Tā zài bǐsài zhōng de biǎoxiàn fēicháng qiǎngyǎn.
"His performance in the match was very impressive."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #22
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Being Optimistic

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 22
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

tiān wú jué rén There is always

天无绝人之路 天無絕人之路 zhī lù a way out. phrase

前途无量 前途無量 qiántú wúliàng promising phrase

xīn xiǎng shì wishes being

心想事成 心想事成 chéng fulfilled phrase

船到桥头自然 船到橋頭自然 chuán dào things will be

直 直 qiáotóu zìrán zhí fine phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

妈妈总是乐观向上，在任何困难的 祝你前途无量。
时候，她都坚信"天无绝人"之路。 Zhù nǐ qiántú wúliàng.
Māmā zǒngshì lèguān xiàngshàng, zài rènhé
kùnnán de shíhòu, tā dōu jiānxìn "tiān wú jué I wish you a promising future.
rén" zhīlù.

My mother is always optimistic, she

believes there's always a way out at any
difficult moment.

要是所有的事都能心想事成就好 现在别太担心了，船到桥头自然
了。 直。
Yàoshi suǒyǒu de shì dōu néng xīn xiǎng shì Xiànzài bié tài dānxīnle, chuán dào qiáotóu zìrán
chéngjiù hǎole. zhí.

Only if every dream comes true. Don't worry too much now; things will be
all right.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 天无绝人之路 (tiān wú jué rén zhī lù)

Literal translation: "days without a man's way"

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English meaning: "There is always a way out."

Use this slang expression when someone is having a hard time, but there must be a solution
to conquer it.

Sample Sentences:

别担心，天无绝人之路。
Bié dānxīn, tiān wú jué rén zhī lù.
"Don’t worry, there's always a way out."

妈妈总是乐观向上，在任何困难的时候，她都坚信"天无绝人"之路。
Māmā zǒngshì lèguān xiàngshàng, zài rènhé kùnnán de shíhòu, tā dōu jiānxìn "tiān wú jué
rén" zhīlù.
"My mother is always optimistic, she believes there's always a way out at any difficult
moment."

2. 前途无量 (qiántú wúliàng)

Literal translation: "forward road no measure"

English meaning: "promising"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone or something has a very prosperous
future.

Sample Sentences:

我相信这个年轻人一定会前途无量。
Wǒ xiāngxìn zhège niánqīng rén yīdìng huì qiántú wúliàng.
"I believe this young man will have a promising future."

祝你前途无量。
Zhù nǐ qiántú wúliàng.
"I wish you a promising future."

3. 心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng)

Literal translation: "heart think things accomplished"

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English meaning: "wishes being fulfilled"

Use this slang expression when you wish for someone to succeed in what they want to
achieve.

Sample Sentences:

祝你心想事成。
Zhù nǐ xīn xiǎng shì chéng.
"Wish you all your dreams come true."

要是所有的事都能心想事成就好了。
Yàoshi suǒyǒu de shì dōu néng xīn xiǎng shì chéngjiù hǎole.
"Only if every dreams come true."

4. 船到桥头自然直 (chuán dào qiáotóu zìrán zhí)

Literal translation: "boat reach bridge end naturally straight"

English meaning: "things will be fine"

Use this slang expression when you want to say that things will be fine in time.

Sample Sentences:

现在做什么都没用，船到桥头自然直。
Xiànzài zuò shénme dōu méi yòng, chuán dào qiáotóu zìrán zhí.
"It's no use doing anything now; things will be fine when it's time."

现在别太担心了，船到桥头自然直。
Xiànzài bié tài dānxīnle, chuán dào qiáotóu zìrán zhí.
"Don't worry too much now; things will be all right."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #23
Chinese Slang Expression for
Compliments

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 23
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

给力 給力 gěi lì helpful adjective

靠谱 靠譜 kào pǔ reliable adjective

百里挑一 百里挑一 bǎilǐtiāoyī good and rare phrase

to have a
一表人才 一表人才 yībiǎoréncái decent adjective
appearance

SAMPLE SENTENCES

我们球队今天的表现不给力。 这听起来一点都不靠谱。
Wǒmen qiú duì jīntiān de biǎoxiàn bù gěilì. Zhè tīng qǐlái yīdiǎn dōu bùkàopǔ.

Our team's performance is unsatisfying This doesn't sound reliable.

today.

她是百里挑一的美女。 他长得一表人才。
Tā shì bǎilǐtiāoyī dì měinǚ. Tā zhǎng dé yībiǎoréncái.

She is a rare beauty. He is good-looking.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 给力 (gěi lì)

Literal translation: "give power"

English meaning: "helpful"

Use this slang expression when someone or something is being helpful to you.

Sample Sentences:

这家旅行社太给力了！它解决了我所有的问题。
zhè jiā lǚxíngshè tài gěi lì le . tā jiějué le Wǒ suǒyǒu de wèntí!

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

"This travel agency is so helpful, it resolved all my problems!"

我们球队今天的表现不给力。
Wǒmen qiú duì jīntiān de biǎoxiàn bù gěilì.
"Our team's performance is unsatisfying today."

2. 靠谱 (kào pǔ)

Literal translation: "near table 靠 means "lean on, trust;" 谱 means "table; chart; book"

English meaning: "reliable"

Use this slang expression when someone or something is reliable, can be trusted.

Sample Sentences:

他做事非常靠谱!
Tā zuòshì fēicháng kào pǔ!
"He is very reliable!"

这听起来一点都不靠谱。
Zhè tīng qǐlái yīdiǎn dōu bùkàopǔ.
"This doesn't sound reliable."

3. 百里挑一 (bǎilǐtiāoyī)

Literal translation: "pick one out of hundred"

English meaning: "good and rare"

Use this slang expression when you talk about someone or something that is very good and
rare.

Sample Sentences:

他是百里挑一的人才。
Tā shì bǎilǐtiāoyī de réncái.
"He is a talent that you don't see often."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 3

她是百里挑一的美女。
Tā shì bǎilǐtiāoyī dì měinǚ.
"She is a rare beauty."

4. 一表人才 (yībiǎoréncái)

Literal translation: "one appearance talent"

English meaning: "to have a decent appearance"

Use this slang expression when you talk about a man who is good-looking.

Sample Sentences:

他真是一表人才。
Tā zhēnshi yībiǎoréncái.
"He looks really decent"

他长得一表人才。
Tā zhǎng dé yībiǎoréncái.
"He is good-looking."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #24
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Saying No

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 24
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

没门儿 沒門兒 méi ménr No way phrase

那可不行 那可不行 Nà kě bù xíng that's not okay phrase

没戏 沒戲 méixì no chance phrase

拉倒 拉倒 lādǎo forget about it phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

你想把他灌醉？没门儿！ 为看比赛而旷课，那可不行。
Nǐ xiǎng bǎ tā guàn zuì? Méi ménr! Wèi kàn bǐsài ér kuàngkè, nà kě bùxíng.

Want to drink him under the table? No way! Missing school to watch the match, that's
not right.

他想和她在一起，肯定没戏。 拉倒吧！我才不要做这种傻事。
Tā xiǎng hé tā zài yīqǐ, kěndìng méixì. Lādǎo ba! Wǒ cái bùyào zuò zhè zhǒng shǎ shì.

He wants to be with her; but it's definitely No way! I don't want to do such silly things.
not going to happen.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 没门儿 (méi ménr)

Literal translation: "There is no door to get out."

English meaning: "No way"

Use this slang expression when there is no possibility of doing something, indicating no room
for negotiation or compromise.

Sample Sentences:

要我们放弃休息时间？没门儿！
Yào wǒmen fàngqì xiūxí shíjiān? Méimén er!

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 2

"You want us to give up our break? No way!"

你想把他灌醉？没门儿！
Nǐ xiǎng bǎ tā guàn zuì? Méi ménr!
"Want to drink him under the table? No way!"

2. 那可不行 (Nà kě bù xíng)

Literal translation: "that is not go"

English meaning: "that's not okay"

Use this slang expression when answering negatively.

Sample Sentences:

又要我帮忙？那可不行！
Yòu yào wǒ bāngmáng? Nà kě bùxíng!
"You need my help again? No can do."

为看比赛而旷课，那可不行。
Wèi kàn bǐsài ér kuàngkè, nà kě bùxíng.
"Missing school to watch the match, that's not right."

3. 没戏 (méixì)

Literal translation: "no drama"

English meaning: "no chance"

Use this slang expression when you express that something is not possible.

Sample Sentences:

这件事我觉得没戏。
Zhè jiàn shì wǒ juéde méixì.
"I think this thing is not possible."

他想和她在一起，肯定没戏。

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Tā xiǎng hé tā zài yīqǐ, kěndìng méixì.
"He wants to be with her; but it's definitely not going to happen."

4. 拉倒 (lādǎo)

Literal translation: "pull down"

English meaning: "forget about it"

Use this slang expression when you deny others and think they are ridiculous.

Sample Sentences:

你觉得他是好人？拉倒吧！
Nǐ juéde tā shì hǎorén? Lādǎo ba!
"You think he is a good person? No way!"

拉倒吧！我才不要做这种傻事。
Lādǎo ba! Wǒ cái bùyào zuò zhè zhǒng shǎ shì.
"No way! I don't want to do such silly things."

CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM CHI NES ECLAS S 101.COM 4

LESSON NOTES

Must-Know Chinese Slang Words

& Phrases S1 #25
Chinese Slang Expressions for
Competitions

CONTENTS
2 Vocabulary
2 Sample Sentences
2 Vocabulary Phrase Usage

# 25
COPYRIGHT © 2017 INNOVATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
VOCABULARY

S implifie d Tr aditional Pinyin English C lass

gain the upper

占上风 佔上風 zhàn shàng fēng hand adjective

lacks
还嫩点儿 還嫩點兒 hái nèn diǎnr experience phrase

the more
jiāng háishì lǎo experienced the
姜还是老的辣 薑還是老的辣 phrase
de là better

棋逢对手 棋逢對手 qíféngduìshǒu equally matched phrase

SAMPLE SENTENCES

辩论中他始终占上风。 想报复，你还嫩点儿。
Biànlùn zhōng tā shǐzhōng zhàn shàngfēng. Xiǎng bàofù, nǐ hái nèn diǎn er.

He had the upper hand throughout the When it comes to taking revenge, you are
debate. still wet behind the ears.

姜还是老的辣，老演员在电影里的 他在决赛中棋逢对手。
表现很精彩。 Tā zài juésài zhōng qíféngduìshǒu.
Jiāng háishì lǎo de là, lǎo yǎnyuán zài diànyǐng lǐ
de biǎoxiàn hěn jīngcǎi. He met his match in the final.

The more experienced the better. The

senior actor's performance in this movie is
excellent.

VOCABULARY PHRASE USAGE

1. 占上风 (zhàn shàng fēng)

Literal translation: "occupied upper wind"

English meaning: "gain the upper hand"

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Use this slang expression when someone has the upper hand.

Sample Sentences:

开始时我们队占上风，可到最后却输了。
Kāishǐ shí wǒmen duì zhàn shàngfēng, kě dào zuìhòu què shūle.
"At the beginning, our team had the upper hand, but at the end we lost the game."

辩论中他始终占上风。
Biànlùn zhōng tā shǐzhōng zhàn shàngfēng.
"He had the upper hand throughout the debate."

2. 还嫩点儿 (hái nèn diǎnr)

Literal translation: "still a little green"

English meaning: "lacks experience"

Use this slang expression when referring to someone who is new to something and lacks
experience.

Sample Sentences:

要创业？你还嫩点儿。
Yào chuàngyè? Nǐ hái nèn diǎn er.
"You want to start a business? You are still inexperienced."

想报复，你还嫩点儿。
Xiǎng bàofù, nǐ hái nèn diǎn er.
"When it comes to taking revenge, you are still wet behind the ears."

3. 姜还是老的辣 (jiāng háishì lǎo de là)

Literal translation: "older ginger is more spicy"

English meaning: "the more experienced the better"

Use this slang expression when you express that someone who is more experienced can do
things better.

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Sample Sentences:

这个工作需要有经验的人，姜还是老的辣。
Zhège gōngzuò xūyào yǒu jīngyàn de rén, jiāng háishì lǎo de là.
"This task needs someone experienced; the experienced ones are better."

姜还是老的辣，老演员在电影里的表现很精彩。
Jiāng háishì lǎo de là, lǎo yǎnyuán zài diànyǐng lǐ de biǎoxiàn hěn jīngcǎi.
"The more experienced the better. The senior actor's performance in this movie is excellent."

4. 棋逢对手 (qíféngduìshǒu)

Literal translation: "chess meet competitors"

English meaning: "equally matched"

Use this slang expression when you talk about two opponents are equally competitive.

Sample Sentences:

他们是棋逢对手，很难决定输赢。
Tāmen shì qíféngduìshǒu, hěn nán juédìng shūyíng.
"They are equally matched; it's difficult to decide who will be the winner."

他在决赛中棋逢对手。
Tā zài juésài zhōng qíféngduìshǒu.
"He met his match in the final."

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 Intro 13 Chinese Slang Expressions for Clothing
1 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Colors, Part 1 14 Chinese Slang Expressions for Weather
2 Chinese Slang Expressions for Traveling 15 Chinese Slang Expressions for Daily Life
3 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Animals, Part 1 16 Chinese Slang Expressions for Making Plans
4 Chinese Slang Expressions for Work 17 Chinese Slang Expressions Related to the Internet
5 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Numbers, Part 1 18 Chinese Slang Expressions for Hobbies
6 Chinese Slang Expressions for Relationships, Part 1 19 Chinese Slang Expressions for Feelings
7 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Colors, Part 2 20 Chinese Slang Expressions for Talking
8 Chinese Slang Expressions Related to Food, Part 1 21 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Body Parts
9 Chinese Slang Expressions Related to Food, Part 2 22 Chinese Slang Expressions for Being Optimistic
10 Chinese Slang Expressions for Socializing 23 Chinese Slang Expression for Compliments
11 Chinese Slang Expressions Using Animals, Part 2 24 Chinese Slang Expressions for Saying No
12 Chinese Slang Expressions for Studying 25 Chinese Slang Expressions for Competitions

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