From 'Duang' to 'Xswl': 14 Mandarin Slang Phrases Gen Z Is Obsessed With

Mandarin Slang 101: Gen Z Edition – 14 Must-Know Phrases to Level Up Your Chinese Game

So, you think you’ve nailed Mandarin because you know “nǐ hǎo” and “xièxiè”? Hold up! If you want to vibe with Chinese Gen Z, you’ve got to dive into their slang. The younger generation has their own unique lingo, mixing internet culture, memes, and wordplay into something that’s fast, clever, and evolving all the time. From Beijing to Shanghai, and all over Chinese social media, Mandarin Gen Z slang is taking over the way people communicate.

Ready to talk like a true Gen Z in Mandarin? Here’s your ultimate guide to 14 must-know Mandarin slang phrases that’ll instantly boost your language game. Whether you’re chatting online or hanging out with friends, these phrases will help you sound like you’re in the know. Let’s dive into the hottest slang that’s trending with Chinese Gen Z!

Talk Like a Chinese Gen Z: Top Slang Guide

1. "666" (liù liù liù / 六六六)

In Mandarin Gen Z slang, 666 means “awesome” or “cool,” and it’s commonly used online to show approval. It’s a bit like saying “that’s lit” or “great job!” The repetition of the number 6 is associated with smoothness and success, so when you see someone type 666, they’re hyping you up!

Pronunciation: “Liu liu liu”
How to use it: "Your dance moves are 666!"
In short: Use 666 to show something is awesome or impressive.

2. "AWM" (AWM)

This slang comes from the video game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), where the AWM sniper rifle is one of the most powerful weapons. It’s now used by Chinese Gen Z to refer to something or someone that’s super powerful, impressive, or unbeatable.

Pronunciation: “A-W-M”
How to use it: "He’s the AWM of our basketball team!"
In short: Use AWM to describe someone or something that’s unstoppable or awesome.

3. "Duang" (duāng / 嗲)

Duang is a fun sound effect word that exploded into popularity thanks to a viral Jackie Chan video. It’s used to describe something dramatic or impressive. When something “pops” or has an over-the-top effect, it’s duang! Gen Z uses it in a playful way to exaggerate or emphasize excitement.

Pronunciation: “Dwong”
How to use it: "She walked in, and duang, everyone looked at her!"
In short: Use duang when something has a dramatic, eye-popping effect.

4. "NB" (niú bī / 牛逼)

NB is shorthand for niú bī, which literally translates to “cow's penis,” but in slang, it means someone or something is super cool, badass, or awesome. It’s one of the most popular ways for Chinese Gen Z to hype someone up.

Pronunciation: “N-B” or “Nyoo-bee”
How to use it: "Your skateboard tricks are so NB!"
In short: Use NB to say someone is impressive, skilled, or just plain cool.

5. "Xswl" (xiào sǐ wǒ le / 笑死我了)

This one’s for when something is hilarious—xswl stands for “laughing to death” (笑死我了), and it’s the Chinese equivalent of “LOL.” It’s all over Chinese social media when something is super funny.

Pronunciation: “Siao srr wo luh”
How to use it: "That meme is xswl!"
In short: Use xswl when something cracks you up or is laugh-out-loud funny.

6. "Zhēn Xi" (真香 / zhēn xiāng)

Zhēn xi means “really fragrant,” but it’s slang for “I take it back” or “I regret my previous judgment.” It’s used to describe situations where someone changes their mind after experiencing something they originally disliked.

Pronunciation: “Juhn shee”
How to use it: "I thought I’d hate this show, but now it’s zhēn xi!"
In short: Use zhēn xi when you change your mind about something you initially didn’t like.

7. "Chī Tǔ" (吃土)

Chī tǔ translates to “eat dirt,” and it’s used humorously by Gen Z when they’re broke or have spent all their money. It’s like saying “I’m so broke, I’m eating dirt.”

Pronunciation: “Chee too”
How to use it: "I spent all my money on new clothes. I’ll be chī tǔ for the rest of the month."
In short: Use chī tǔ when you’re broke and joking about it.

8. "Yǒng Bīng" (yǒng bīng / 勇兵)

This slang term means “fearless soldier” and is used to describe someone who’s brave, bold, or fearless in difficult situations. It’s commonly used when someone takes on a challenge or faces danger head-on.

Pronunciation: “Yong bing”
How to use it: "She stood up to the bully—what a yǒng bīng!"
In short: Use yǒng bīng to describe someone who’s fearless and brave.

9. "Wǒ Lèi Le" (我累了)

Wǒ lèi le means “I’m tired,” but in slang, it’s used dramatically to express being emotionally drained or fed up. It’s a Gen Z favorite for when something is just too much to handle.

Pronunciation: “Wuh lay luh”
How to use it: "Another meeting? Wǒ lèi le."
In short: Use wǒ lèi le to express emotional or mental exhaustion.

10. "Péng Yǒu Quān" (朋友圈)

This translates to “friend circle,” but in slang, it refers to the social media platform WeChat’s Moments, where people post updates, photos, and life events. It’s a core part of Gen Z social life in China.

Pronunciation: “Pung yo chwen”
How to use it: "I’ll post the pictures on my péng yǒu quān later."
In short: Use péng yǒu quān to talk about your WeChat updates or social media posts.

11. "Zàijiàn" (再见 / Goodbye)

Although zàijiàn literally means “goodbye,” Gen Z uses it in a cheeky or sarcastic way to say “bye” to something they dislike or when they’re done with something. It’s like a humorous “I’m out” or “good riddance.”

Pronunciation: “Zai-jyan”
How to use it: "Another boring lecture? Zàijiàn!"
In short: Use zàijiàn sarcastically when you’re done with something or saying “peace out.”

12. "Rúléi" (如雷)

Rúléi means “thunderous,” but when used by Gen Z, it’s a slang term to describe something that’s incredibly shocking or intense. It’s a way to express that something hit hard or was mind-blowing.

Pronunciation: “Roo-lay”
How to use it: "That plot twist was rúléi, I didn’t see it coming!"
In short: Use rúléi to describe something shocking or intense.

13. "Dǎ Call" (打 call)

This slang comes from the Japanese phrase for cheering someone on at a concert, and it’s used by Chinese Gen Z to hype someone up or show support. If you’re rooting for someone, you’re dǎ call for them.

Pronunciation: “Da call”
How to use it: "Good luck on your test tomorrow, I’m dǎ call for you!"
In short: Use dǎ call to cheer someone on or hype them up.

14. "Bǐ Xīn" (比心)

Bǐ xīn means “finger heart,” and it’s the gesture you see all over social media where people form a heart with their fingers. Gen Z uses it to show love, support, or appreciation online.

Pronunciation: “Bee-shin”
How to use it: "Thanks for the help today, bǐ xīn!"
In short: Use bǐ xīn when you want to send love or appreciation to someone.

Now that you’ve learned these 14 Mandarin Gen Z slang phrases, you’re ready to join the conversation! Whether you’re hanging out with friends in China or chatting online, these phrases will help you stay up to date with the coolest slang trends. From using 666 to hype someone up to saying wǒ lèi le when you’re exhausted, these expressions will give your Mandarin that authentic, Gen Z edge. Go ahead and start using them, and you’ll be talking like a native in no time!

Keep following Woke Waves Magazine for more Gen Z slang guides and global culture insights!

#mandarinslang #genzchina #coolphrases #youthculture #slangtrends