你好
everyday · neutral
nǐ hǎo — hello
A neutral greeting; 好 alone means good or well in many contexts.
Practise the thinking. Keep the judgement.
Chinese vocabulary and everyday phrases
Original Chinese study material with English explanations. Simplified Chinese with pinyin; beginner, intermediate and advanced are editorial difficulty labels.
Everyday Mandarin, internet and social media, slang, fashion, shopping and beauty. Slang use varies by community and time; examples are original.
谢谢
everyday · neutral
xièxie — thank you
Reply with 不客气 (bú kèqi), you are welcome.
恭喜
everyday · neutral
gōngxǐ — congratulations
For happy personal news: 恭喜你！祝贺 is another verb for congratulate.
生日快乐
everyday · neutral
shēngrì kuàilè — happy birthday
生日 is birthday; 快乐 means happy.
我是……
everyday · neutral
wǒ shì… — I am…
Introduce an identity or role. For a name, 我叫…… is also natural.
你是谁？
everyday · neutral
nǐ shì shéi? — Who are you?
Direct; 你叫什么名字？ asks someone’s name more specifically.
你是哪国人？
everyday · neutral
nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? — Which country are you from?
你从哪里来？ asks where you come from more broadly.
你住在哪里？
everyday · neutral
nǐ zhù zài nǎlǐ? — Where do you live?
住 means live or stay; 在 introduces location.
你要去哪里？
everyday · neutral
nǐ yào qù nǎlǐ? — Where are you going?
去 indicates going; 哪里 asks for a place.
周末
everyday · neutral
zhōumò — weekend
周末你有什么打算？ asks about weekend plans.
爱好
everyday · neutral
àihào — hobby; interest
我的爱好是画画。My hobby is drawing.
家乡
everyday · neutral
jiāxiāng — hometown
A place someone comes from; not necessarily their current home.
儿子
everyday · neutral
érzi — son
女儿 (nǚ’ér) means daughter.
女朋友
everyday · neutral
nǚ péngyou — girlfriend
男朋友 (nán péngyou) means boyfriend. Context distinguishes a partner from an ordinary friend.
女士
everyday · neutral
nǚshì — Ms; lady
A respectful form of address. 小姐 (xiǎojiě) varies by region and context and can be inappropriate in some settings.
礼物
everyday · neutral
lǐwù — gift
送礼物 means give a gift; 给 means give in many everyday constructions.
买东西
everyday · neutral
mǎi dōngxi — shop; buy things
东西 has neutral-tone xi when it means things.
冰淇淋
everyday · neutral
bīngqílín — ice cream
我想买冰淇淋。I would like to buy ice cream.
饺子
everyday · neutral
jiǎozi — dumplings
包饺子 means make dumplings; 煮饺子 means boil dumplings.
汤圆
everyday · neutral
tāngyuán — glutinous rice balls
A different food from 饺子; fillings and traditions vary.
火锅
everyday · neutral
huǒguō — hot pot
吃火锅 means have hot pot.
外卖
everyday · neutral
wàimài — takeaway; food delivery
点外卖 means order delivery; 打包 asks to have food packed to take away.
星巴克
everyday · neutral
Xīngbākè — Starbucks
The Chinese name of the coffee company; a vocabulary reference, not an affiliation.
地铁
everyday · neutral
dìtiě — subway; metro
地铁站 is a subway station.
秋天
everyday · neutral
qiūtiān — autumn
春天、夏天、冬天 name spring, summer and winter.
春节
everyday · neutral
Chūnjié — Spring Festival
The Lunar New Year festival; 春假 is a school spring break.
除夕
everyday · neutral
Chúxī — Lunar New Year’s Eve
公历新年前夜 specifies the eve of the Gregorian New Year.
元宵节
everyday · neutral
Yuánxiāo Jié — Lantern Festival
The festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
冬至
everyday · neutral
Dōngzhì — winter solstice
The solar term; related food traditions differ between regions.
人口
everyday · neutral
rénkǒu — population
人口数量 means population size; no current population figure is implied.
泥土
everyday · neutral
nítǔ — soil; earth
土 can refer to earth or soil; 地球 means Earth, the planet.
老鼠
everyday · neutral
lǎoshǔ — mouse; rat
The broad everyday term can cover either; 鼠标 means a computer mouse.
跳舞
everyday · neutral
tiàowǔ — dance
芭蕾舞 (bālěiwǔ) means ballet.
钓鱼
everyday · neutral
diàoyú — fish with a rod
Also has figurative uses; 捕捞 refers more broadly to catching aquatic animals.
博主
everyday · neutral
bózhǔ — blogger; account creator
A person who runs a blog or content account.
情绪
everyday · neutral
qíngxù — mood; emotion
情感 (qínggǎn) often refers more broadly to feelings or emotional attachment.
情况
everyday · neutral
qíngkuàng — situation; circumstances
状态 (zhuàngtài) describes a state; 状况 (zhuàngkuàng) a condition.
拖延
everyday · neutral
tuōyán — delay; procrastinate
拖延任务 means put off a task.
内卷
everyday · neutral
nèijuǎn — involution; intensifying competition
A context-sensitive social term for escalating competition without proportionate benefit; explain the situation rather than relying on a single English word.
辛苦
everyday · neutral
xīnkǔ — hard; laborious
辛苦了 acknowledges someone’s effort; 累 (lèi) describes feeling tired.
正好
everyday · neutral
zhènghǎo — just right; happen to
这个大小正好。This size is just right. 恰好 can also mean coincidentally or exactly.
左右
everyday · neutral
zuǒyòu — about; left and right
三点左右 means around three o’clock; the position after a quantity matters.
一下
everyday · neutral
yíxià — briefly; a little
看一下 means have a quick look and can soften a request.
本来
everyday · neutral
běnlái — originally; originally intended
原来 (yuánlái) can also introduce a newly realised fact.
竟然
everyday · neutral
jìngrán — unexpectedly
Expresses surprise at a result; 居然 is often similar.
偏偏
everyday · neutral
piānpiān — contrary to expectation; just when unwanted
我想出门，偏偏下雨了。I wanted to go out, but it happened to rain.
仅仅
everyday · neutral
jǐnjǐn — only; merely
Sets a limit; 仅 is common in more formal writing.
到底
everyday · neutral
dàodǐ — after all; on earth
In questions it can press for the real answer. 究竟 (jiūjìng) has related uses.
由
everyday · neutral
yóu — by; from
这件事由我负责。I will be responsible for this matter.
汉语
everyday · neutral
Hànyǔ — Chinese language
中文 (Zhōngwén) and 华语 (Huáyǔ) are also used for Chinese in different contexts; 普通话 names Standard Mandarin.
汉字
everyday · neutral
Hànzì — Chinese characters
拼音 (pīnyīn) represents pronunciation in Roman letters; 注音 (zhùyīn) is another phonetic notation.
简体字
everyday · neutral
jiǎntǐzì — simplified characters
繁体字 (fántǐzì) means traditional characters. These are writing systems, not different spoken tones.
绕口令
everyday · neutral
ràokǒulìng — tongue twister
Practise 四 sì and 十 shí slowly before attempting a fast tongue twister.
不到长城非好汉
everyday · neutral
bú dào Chángchéng fēi hǎohàn — One who has not reached the Great Wall is no true hero
A well-known line attributed to Mao Zedong’s 清平乐·六盘山; often used figuratively about determination.
塞翁失马，焉知非福
everyday · neutral
Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú — A loss may turn out to be a blessing
A traditional saying: an apparently bad event may have a good consequence. It does not guarantee one.
愚公移山
everyday · neutral
Yú gōng yí shān — The Foolish Old Man moves the mountains
A traditional tale and idiom about perseverance; 愚公 is a character’s name, not an everyday pronoun.
点赞
internet · neutral
diǎnzàn — like a post
A platform action. 给……点赞 can also express approval outside an app.
我给这条视频点了赞。
Wǒ gěi zhè tiáo shìpín diǎn le zàn.
I liked this video.
关注
internet · neutral
guānzhù — follow; pay attention to
On an account page it usually means follow; elsewhere it can mean concern or attention.
关注这个账号，就能看到更新。
Guānzhù zhège zhànghào, jiù néng kàndào gēngxīn.
Follow this account to see updates.
取关
internet · casual
qǔguān — unfollow
Short for 取消关注. Cancelling a follow does not necessarily block the account.
内容不适合我，我就取关了。
Nèiróng bù shìhé wǒ, wǒ jiù qǔguān le.
The content was not for me, so I unfollowed.
转发
internet · neutral
zhuǎnfā — repost; forward
Used for posts and messages. Reposting does not by itself confirm the information.
转发之前，先看清楚来源。
Zhuǎnfā zhīqián, xiān kàn qīngchu láiyuán.
Check the source before reposting.
收藏
internet · neutral
shōucáng — save; bookmark; collect
On an app, saving a post for later. It also describes collecting physical objects.
我收藏了这篇学习笔记。
Wǒ shōucáng le zhè piān xuéxí bǐjì.
I saved these study notes.
评论区
internet · neutral
pínglùnqū — comments section
The area below or beside a post where readers leave responses.
评论区有人解释了这个词。
Pínglùnqū yǒu rén jiěshì le zhège cí.
Someone explained this word in the comments.
弹幕
internet · neutral
dànmù — on-screen scrolling comments
Comments displayed over a video. 弹 is dàn here, not tán.
弹幕太多，我先关掉了。
Dànmù tài duō, wǒ xiān guān diào le.
There were too many on-screen comments, so I turned them off.
热搜
internet · neutral
rèsōu — trending search topic
A platform-specific trend or search list; being on it is not a guarantee of accuracy.
这个话题上了热搜。
Zhège huàtí shàng le rèsōu.
This topic appeared on the trending list.
话题
internet · neutral
huàtí — topic; discussion theme
Online it may be a tagged topic; it is not always a hashtag.
我们换个话题吧。
Wǒmen huàn ge huàtí ba.
Let us change the topic.
私信
internet · neutral
sīxìn — direct message
A message to an account rather than a public comment. Privacy still depends on the service.
请把活动时间私信给我。
Qǐng bǎ huódòng shíjiān sīxìn gěi wǒ.
Please send me the event time by direct message.
直播
internet · neutral
zhíbō — livestream; live broadcast
Used for news, performances, games and shopping streams.
直播结束后还能看回放吗？
Zhíbō jiéshù hòu hái néng kàn huífàng ma?
Can we watch a replay after the livestream ends?
短视频
internet · neutral
duǎn shìpín — short video
A content format, not the name of a particular platform.
这段短视频介绍了三种穿搭。
Zhè duàn duǎn shìpín jièshào le sān zhǒng chuāndā.
This short video introduced three outfit styles.
网红
internet · casual
wǎnghóng — internet celebrity; influencer
Can describe a person or a place famous online. Tone ranges from neutral to dismissive.
这家网红店周末要排队。
Zhè jiā wǎnghóng diàn zhōumò yào páiduì.
You have to queue at this internet-famous shop on weekends.
楼主
internet · online
lóuzhǔ — original poster in a forum thread
Forum language for the person who started the thread; not the owner of a physical building here.
楼主后来补充了照片。
Lóuzhǔ hòulái bǔchōng le zhàopiàn.
The original poster added photos later.
刷屏
internet · casual
shuāpíng — flood a feed or chat
Repeated or widespread posts filling the screen. It may describe popularity or annoying repetition.
群里别一直刷屏。
Qún lǐ bié yìzhí shuāpíng.
Do not keep flooding the group chat.
潜水
internet · online
qiánshuǐ — lurk without posting
Literally diving. Online it means reading a group or forum without taking part visibly.
我在群里潜水很久了。
Wǒ zài qún lǐ qiánshuǐ hěn jiǔ le.
I have been lurking in the group for a long time.
冒泡
internet · online
màopào — briefly appear in a chat
Literally bubbling up. A playful way to say you are posting after being quiet.
好久没说话，今天来冒个泡。
Hǎojiǔ méi shuōhuà, jīntiān lái mào ge pào.
I have been quiet for a while; just popping in today.
吃瓜
internet · online
chīguā — watch gossip or drama unfold
A figurative spectator stance, not literally eating melon. It can sound insensitive around real harm.
我只是吃瓜，还不了解事情经过。
Wǒ zhǐshì chīguā, hái bù liǎojiě shìqing jīngguò.
I am just following the drama; I do not know what happened yet.
梗
internet · casual
gěng — meme; recurring joke or reference
A shared reference, joke pattern or punchline. A direct translation may lose the context.
这个梗是什么意思？
Zhège gěng shì shénme yìsi?
What does this meme mean?
表情包
internet · neutral
biǎoqíngbāo — reaction image; sticker pack
Often an image or sticker with a caption. It is broader than a single emoji.
她发了一个猫咪表情包。
Tā fā le yí ge māomī biǎoqíngbāo.
She sent a cat reaction image.
YYDS
slang · online
yǒngyuǎn de shén — the best; GOAT-style praise
Initials of 永远的神. Exaggerated fan praise; the pinyin here expands the initials. It can also be ironic.
这首歌，YYDS！
Zhè shǒu gē, yǒngyuǎn de shén!
This song is legendary!
XSWL
slang · online
xiào sǐ wǒ le — LOL; that is hilarious
Initials of 笑死我了, literally laughing me to death. A written reaction, not a literal statement; pinyin shows the expansion.
这个表情包，XSWL。
Zhège biǎoqíngbāo, xiào sǐ wǒ le.
This reaction image is hilarious.
绝绝子
slang · online
juéjuézi — amazing; absolutely something
Playful, exaggerated praise that can also be sarcastic. Context matters; it can sound affected or dated to some speakers.
这张照片的光线绝绝子。
Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn de guāngxiàn juéjuézi.
The lighting in this photo is amazing.
破防
slang · online
pòfáng — have one’s emotional defences broken
From breaking a defence in games; now also being moved, upset or provoked. It does not always mean angry.
看到那封信，我有点破防了。
Kàndào nà fēng xìn, wǒ yǒudiǎn pòfáng le.
Reading that letter got to me emotionally.
上头
slang · casual
shàngtóu — get carried away; become hooked
An intense pull or rush in a casual context, not a clinical diagnosis. The literal word also has other meanings.
这首歌越听越上头。
Zhè shǒu gē yuè tīng yuè shàngtóu.
The more I listen to this song, the more hooked I get.
下头
slang · caution
xiàtóu — be a turn-off; lose one’s enthusiasm
Slang for cooling interest or being put off. Calling another person 下头 is a negative judgement.
他一直打断别人，真让人下头。
Tā yìzhí dǎduàn biérén, zhēn ràng rén xiàtóu.
His constant interruptions are really off-putting.
社死
slang · online
shèsǐ — feel mortified in public
Short for 社会性死亡. Usually dramatic slang for embarrassment, not literal death.
我把名字叫错了，当场社死。
Wǒ bǎ míngzi jiào cuò le, dāngchǎng shèsǐ.
I said the wrong name and felt mortified on the spot.
社牛
slang · online
shèniú — very outgoing person
Playful shorthand for social confidence. It is not a psychological category and may be unwelcome as a label.
她跟谁都聊得来，朋友们叫她社牛。
Tā gēn shéi dōu liáo de lái, péngyoumen jiào tā shèniú.
She gets along with everyone; her friends call her a social butterfly.
打工人
slang · casual
dǎgōngrén — worker; wage earner
Often a humorous self-description about working life. It does not identify one specific occupation.
打工人的周末，我只想休息。
Dǎgōngrén de zhōumò, wǒ zhǐ xiǎng xiūxi.
On my weekend off work, I just want to rest.
摸鱼
slang · casual
mōyú — slack off; take unofficial downtime
Literally feeling for fish. In workplace slang it can imply avoiding work; unsuitable as a claim in a formal report.
午休时看漫画不算上班摸鱼。
Wǔxiū shí kàn mànhuà bú suàn shàngbān mōyú.
Reading comics during lunch does not count as slacking off at work.
躺平
slang · online
tǎngpíng — opt out of exhausting competition
Literally lying flat. Used for resistance to pressure or joking about rest; it is not identical to giving up on everything.
这个周末我想躺平，不安排活动。
Zhège zhōumò wǒ xiǎng tǎngpíng, bù ānpái huódòng.
I want to take it easy this weekend and make no plans.
摆烂
slang · caution
bǎilàn — stop trying and let things slide
More openly defeatist than taking a break. It is often self-mocking; saying it about someone else can be insulting.
这次没做好，但我不想摆烂。
Zhè cì méi zuò hǎo, dàn wǒ bù xiǎng bǎilàn.
I did not do well this time, but I do not want to give up trying.
真香
slang · online
zhēnxiāng — surprisingly good after initial rejection
Literally really fragrant. As a meme, it often admits enjoying something one previously rejected.
本来不想试，吃了一口才发现真香。
Běnlái bù xiǎng shì, chī le yì kǒu cái fāxiàn zhēnxiāng.
I did not want to try it, but one bite won me over.
无语
slang · caution
wúyǔ — speechless; exasperated
In chat it often signals irritation or disbelief. A bare 无语 response can sound dismissive.
等了半天才知道店没开，我很无语。
Děng le bàntiān cái zhīdào diàn méi kāi, wǒ hěn wúyǔ.
After waiting ages, I found out the shop was closed. I was exasperated.
离谱
slang · casual
lípǔ — absurd; way off the mark
An informal judgement that something is unreasonable. It need not mean literally unbelievable.
一杯水卖这个价，太离谱了。
Yì bēi shuǐ mài zhège jià, tài lípǔ le.
Charging that much for a glass of water is ridiculous.
拿捏
slang · casual
nániē — handle with precision; have under control
Can be neutral for judging a degree or playful for mastering something. It can also suggest manipulating a person.
这道菜的火候拿捏得很好。
Zhè dào cài de huǒhou nániē de hěn hǎo.
The cooking time and heat for this dish were judged very well.
搭子
slang · casual
dāzi — companion for a particular activity
Often follows an activity: 饭搭子, meal companion. It does not necessarily mean a close friend or romantic partner.
我想找个周末跑步搭子。
Wǒ xiǎng zhǎo ge zhōumò pǎobù dāzi.
I would like to find a weekend running buddy.
显眼包
slang · caution
xiǎnyǎnbāo — someone who conspicuously stands out
A teasing label for attention-grabbing behaviour. It may be affectionate or critical; use care with people you do not know.
他每次合照都做鬼脸，真是个显眼包。
Tā měi cì hézhào dōu zuò guǐliǎn, zhēn shì ge xiǎnyǎnbāo.
He pulls a face in every group photo; he really stands out.
松弛感
slang · casual
sōngchígǎn — an air of ease; relaxed confidence
Describes an impression in manner, clothing or atmosphere. It does not prove that someone has no stress.
她说话自然，有一种松弛感。
Tā shuōhuà zìrán, yǒu yì zhǒng sōngchígǎn.
She speaks naturally, with an air of ease.
班味
slang · online
bānwèi — the worn-down look or feeling of work
Humorous online shorthand for work leaving someone tired or routine-bound. Avoid labelling a colleague this way without rapport.
休假以后，我感觉班味淡了。
Xiūjià yǐhòu, wǒ gǎnjué bānwèi dàn le.
After the holiday, I feel less worn down by work.
穿搭
fashion · neutral
chuāndā — outfit styling
The way clothes and accessories are combined; it can refer to a look or to styling advice.
今天的穿搭以蓝色为主。
Jīntiān de chuāndā yǐ lánsè wéi zhǔ.
Today’s outfit is mainly blue.
搭配
fashion · neutral
dāpèi — match; coordinate
A general word for combining items. In fashion it often describes colours or garments that work together.
这条裙子可以搭配白色运动鞋。
Zhè tiáo qúnzi kěyǐ dāpèi báisè yùndòngxié.
This skirt can be paired with white trainers.
叠穿
fashion · neutral
diéchuān — layer clothing
Wearing several garments in visible layers, not simply folding clothes.
天气转凉了，可以试试叠穿。
Tiānqì zhuǎn liáng le, kěyǐ shìshi diéchuān.
The weather is getting cooler; you could try layering.
混搭
fashion · neutral
hùndā — mix styles
Combining items from different styles; it can also describe design beyond clothing.
西装配运动鞋是一种混搭。
Xīzhuāng pèi yùndòngxié shì yì zhǒng hùndā.
A suit with trainers is a mix of styles.
百搭
fashion · neutral
bǎidā — versatile; easy to style
A common fashion judgement or sales description, not a literal promise that an item matches everything.
这件外套颜色简单，很百搭。
Zhè jiàn wàitào yánsè jiǎndān, hěn bǎidā.
This coat has a simple colour and is easy to style.
版型
fashion · neutral
bǎnxíng — cut; overall garment shape
Describes how clothing is cut and sits. It is different from 尺码, size.
尺码合适，但版型不太适合我。
Chǐmǎ héshì, dàn bǎnxíng bú tài shìhé wǒ.
The size is right, but the cut does not really suit me.
剪裁
fashion · neutral
jiǎncái — tailoring; cut
The cutting and shaping of a garment. 裁剪 is also used for the act of cutting material.
这件衬衫的剪裁很利落。
Zhè jiàn chènshān de jiǎncái hěn lìluo.
This shirt has a clean, sharp cut.
廓形
fashion · neutral
kuòxíng — silhouette
Fashion vocabulary for the outer shape of a garment or outfit.
这件大衣的廓形比较宽。
Zhè jiàn dàyī de kuòxíng bǐjiào kuān.
This overcoat has a fairly broad silhouette.
宽松
fashion · neutral
kuānsōng — loose-fitting
A fit description for clothing; elsewhere it can mean relaxed or lenient.
我夏天喜欢穿宽松的衣服。
Wǒ xiàtiān xǐhuan chuān kuānsōng de yīfu.
I like wearing loose clothes in summer.
修身
fashion · neutral
xiūshēn — fitted; shaped close to the body
In clothing descriptions, a closer fit. In other contexts 修身 refers to self-cultivation.
这件是修身款，不是宽松款。
Zhè jiàn shì xiūshēn kuǎn, bú shì kuānsōng kuǎn.
This is a fitted style, not a loose one.
同色系
fashion · neutral
tóng sèxì — within the same colour family
Shades related in colour; they do not have to be identical.
深蓝和浅蓝可以做同色系搭配。
Shēnlán hé qiǎnlán kěyǐ zuò tóng sèxì dāpèi.
Dark and light blue can be styled within one colour family.
撞色
fashion · neutral
zhuàngsè — combine contrasting colours
A deliberate strong colour contrast, not necessarily an accidental clash.
黄色包包给这套衣服加了一点撞色。
Huángsè bāobāo gěi zhè tào yīfu jiā le yìdiǎn zhuàngsè.
The yellow bag adds a contrasting colour to this outfit.
基础款
fashion · neutral
jīchǔkuǎn — wardrobe basic
A simple, reusable style such as a plain T-shirt; what counts as basic depends on the wardrobe.
先买适合自己的基础款。
Xiān mǎi shìhé zìjǐ de jīchǔkuǎn.
Start with basics that suit you.
复古
fashion · neutral
fùgǔ — retro; vintage-inspired
A style reference. A newly made item can be 复古 without being an old or second-hand item.
这是新做的复古风外套。
Zhè shì xīn zuò de fùgǔ fēng wàitào.
This is a newly made retro-style coat.
通勤装
fashion · neutral
tōngqínzhuāng — clothes for commuting and work
Usually everyday workwear, rather than a uniform or a fixed dress code.
这套通勤装坐地铁也很方便。
Zhè tào tōngqínzhuāng zuò dìtiě yě hěn fāngbiàn.
This work outfit is also convenient for taking the metro.
国潮
fashion · neutral
guócháo — Chinese-inspired contemporary style
Used for brands and design drawing on Chinese cultural elements; it is broader than traditional dress alone.
这双鞋把传统纹样用在国潮设计里。
Zhè shuāng xié bǎ chuántǒng wényàng yòng zài guócháo shèjì lǐ.
These shoes use traditional patterns in a contemporary Chinese-inspired design.
新中式
fashion · neutral
xīn Zhōngshì — modern Chinese-inspired style
Combines selected Chinese design elements with contemporary forms. It does not necessarily reproduce historical clothing.
她用新中式上衣搭配牛仔裤。
Tā yòng xīn Zhōngshì shàngyī dāpèi niúzǎikù.
She pairs a modern Chinese-inspired top with jeans.
多巴胺穿搭
fashion · casual
duōbā’àn chuāndā — bright, playful “dopamine dressing”
A fashion label for cheerful colour combinations. The name is not evidence of a biological effect.
她用亮黄色和粉色做多巴胺穿搭。
Tā yòng liàng huángsè hé fěnsè zuò duōbā’àn chuāndā.
She uses bright yellow and pink for a playful, colourful outfit.
氛围感
fashion · casual
fēnwéigǎn — a distinctive mood or atmosphere
Used about styling, photos and places. It is a subjective impression rather than a technical measurement.
柔和的灯光让照片很有氛围感。
Róuhé de dēngguāng ràng zhàopiàn hěn yǒu fēnwéigǎn.
The soft lighting gives the photo a distinctive atmosphere.
出片
fashion · casual
chūpiàn — produce flattering or striking photos
Informal photography and social-media usage, often in 好出片. It can describe an outfit or location.
这面浅色墙拍人像很出片。
Zhè miàn qiǎnsè qiáng pāi rénxiàng hěn chūpiàn.
This pale wall works well for striking portraits.
种草
shopping · online
zhòngcǎo — spark interest in buying or trying something
Literally planting grass. In recommendations, 被种草 means becoming keen after seeing someone’s suggestion.
看完她的介绍，我被这本书种草了。
Kàn wán tā de jièshào, wǒ bèi zhè běn shū zhòngcǎo le.
Her introduction made me want to read this book.
拔草
shopping · online
bácǎo — remove something from a wishlist; finally try it
Context can mean losing interest after learning more, or satisfying a wish by buying or trying the item. Check what the speaker did next.
发现不适合自己，我就拔草了。
Fāxiàn bù shìhé zìjǐ, wǒ jiù bácǎo le.
Once I realised it did not suit me, I lost interest in buying it.
踩雷
shopping · casual
cǎiléi — have a disappointing experience
Literally stepping on a mine. In reviews it usually means an unpleasant purchase or experience, not physical danger.
没看尺寸就下单，这次踩雷了。
Méi kàn chǐcùn jiù xiàdān, zhè cì cǎiléi le.
I ordered without checking the dimensions and got an unwelcome surprise.
避雷
shopping · online
bìléi — avoid a bad choice; a warning in a review
Review slang, not proof of wrongdoing. A personal complaint and a verified product problem are different things.
这篇避雷帖写的是个人体验。
Zhè piān bìléi tiě xiě de shì gèrén tǐyàn.
This warning post describes one person’s experience.
平替
shopping · casual
píngtì — lower-cost alternative
Short for 平价替代. It need not be identical in quality or function, and does not mean a counterfeit.
我在找这款包的平替，不是仿冒品。
Wǒ zài zhǎo zhè kuǎn bāo de píngtì, bú shì fǎngmàopǐn.
I am looking for a cheaper alternative to this bag, not a counterfeit.
性价比
shopping · neutral
xìngjiàbǐ — value for money
An assessment of what one gets for the price. Expensive and cheap items can both be judged against it.
对我的需求来说，这双鞋性价比不错。
Duì wǒ de xūqiú lái shuō, zhè shuāng xié xìngjiàbǐ búcuò.
For my needs, these shoes offer good value.
带货
shopping · neutral
dàihuò — promote products to generate sales
Often used for creators or livestream sellers. A recommendation may involve advertising or commission.
这是带货视频，不是独立测评。
Zhè shì dàihuò shìpín, bú shì dúlì cèpíng.
This is a sales video, not an independent review.
测评
shopping · neutral
cèpíng — test and review
Can describe a product review or an assessment. The label alone does not establish independence or rigour.
看测评时，我会留意测试方法。
Kàn cèpíng shí, wǒ huì liúyì cèshì fāngfǎ.
When reading a review, I pay attention to the testing method.
开箱
shopping · neutral
kāixiāng — unboxing
Opening a package and showing the contents, often in a video. First impressions are not long-term testing.
这个开箱视频展示了包装和配件。
Zhège kāixiāng shìpín zhǎnshì le bāozhuāng hé pèijiàn.
This unboxing video shows the packaging and accessories.
晒单
shopping · casual
shàidān — post a purchase or order online
晒 figuratively means show publicly. A purchase post may show an order, photos or an experience.
晒单之前，她遮住了地址。
Shàidān zhīqián, tā zhē zhù le dìzhǐ.
She covered the address before posting her purchase.
入手
shopping · casual
rùshǒu — get; buy; acquire
A casual shopping use. In 从……入手 it instead means start from a point or approach.
我打算等打折再入手。
Wǒ dǎsuàn děng dǎzhé zài rùshǒu.
I plan to wait for a discount before buying it.
回购
shopping · neutral
huígòu — buy again
In personal shopping, buying the same product again. In finance it has a different technical use.
这款洗发水用完了，我想回购。
Zhè kuǎn xǐfàshuǐ yòng wán le, wǒ xiǎng huígòu.
I have finished this shampoo and would like to buy it again.
断货
shopping · neutral
duànhuò — out of stock
The seller has no stock available; it does not necessarily mean the product is discontinued.
我想要的颜色已经断货了。
Wǒ xiǎng yào de yánsè yǐjīng duànhuò le.
The colour I want is already out of stock.
补货
shopping · neutral
bǔhuò — restock
Replenishing a seller’s stock. Ask when if the item is unavailable.
这个尺码什么时候补货？
Zhège chǐmǎ shénme shíhou bǔhuò?
When will this size be restocked?
试色
shopping · neutral
shìsè — swatch or try a cosmetic colour
Common for lipsticks and other makeup. Lighting and skin tone can affect how the colour appears.
她在自然光下拍了口红试色。
Tā zài zìrán guāng xià pāi le kǒuhóng shìsè.
She photographed the lipstick swatch in natural light.
素颜
shopping · neutral
sùyán — a face without makeup
A description or presentation claim. A photo labelled 素颜 may still use lighting or editing.
今天我素颜出门。
Jīntiān wǒ sùyán chūmén.
I went out without makeup today.
底妆
shopping · neutral
dǐzhuāng — base makeup
The complexion layer of makeup, such as foundation; usage may include related base products.
她的底妆很轻薄。
Tā de dǐzhuāng hěn qīngbó.
Her base makeup is very light.
哑光
shopping · neutral
yǎguāng — matte
A finish with little shine, used for cosmetics and materials. It is a finish description, not a health claim.
这支口红是哑光质地。
Zhè zhī kǒuhóng shì yǎguāng zhìdì.
This lipstick has a matte texture.
显色
shopping · neutral
xiǎnsè — show colour clearly
Often describes colour payoff in cosmetics. It depends on application, lighting and the surface.
这款眼影薄涂也很显色。
Zhè kuǎn yǎnyǐng báo tú yě hěn xiǎnsè.
This eyeshadow shows its colour even in a thin layer.
持妆
shopping · neutral
chízhuāng — makeup staying in place
Usually discussed as 持妆效果 or 持妆时间. A duration in an advert is a claim, not a guarantee for every wearer.
我更在意底妆的持妆效果。
Wǒ gèng zàiyì dǐzhuāng de chízhuāng xiàoguǒ.
I care more about how well the base makeup lasts.