Instantly sound more like a native speaker in 2026

With these 25 essential Chinese
internet slang phrases

The Living Lexicon of Modern Chinese Internet Slang 25 ESSENTIAL PHRASES Curated by Andrew MethvenEdited by Zoe Qian REALTIME MANDARIN

This FREE resource is perfect for anyone who wants to get up to date with modern Chinese as it’s actually spoken today.

They’re quick to learn and easy to use because each one is explained in plain English with real examples. So you’ll be impressing people with your amazing Chinese right away!

The Living Lexicon of Modern Chinese Internet Slang 25 ESSENTIAL PHRASES Curated by Andrew Methven Edited by Zoe Qian REALTIME MANDARIN

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Praise from leading China experts

“Just the best resource for learning Mandarin in context. And keep your finger on the pulse of modern China.”

Kaiser KuoKaiser Kuo Founder, Sinica Podcast

“A must-follow for intermediate to advanced Chinese learners. Love how Andrew makes mastering Mandarin feel more manageable and fun.”

Kaiser KuoManya Koetse Founder, What's on Weibo & Eye on Digital China

“Delightful, insightful, and topical. A great way to keep up with the latest Chinese language trends.”

Jing TsuJing Tsu Author of Kingdom of Characters

Free resource

Learn modern Chinese internet slang as it’s actually spoken today

  • 25 current slang words, buzzwords, and internet expressions manually curated from real news and social media so you’re only learning what’s being used right now
  • Every phrase is explained in depth, with pinyin, translation, where it comes from, how to use it, and real examples so you can start using them in your Chinese conversations straight away
  • Plus character breakdowns, grammar notes, and practice sheets, so you actually learn, remember, and use each phrase as native speakers do
  • No matter your level, beginner to advanced, you will learn on-trend phrases which you can drop into conversations and impress whoever you’re talking to
  • This is real, living language you won’t find in a textbook, graded reader, or AI listicle so you can instantly sound more like a native speaker, and keep up with what’s really being said!
The Living Lexicon of Modern Chinese Internet Slang 25 ESSENTIAL PHRASES Curated by Andrew Methven Edited by Zoe Qian REALTIME MANDARIN

Type your email address to download the free PDF and get started immediately!

About Andrew

Andrew Methven

Hi, I’m Andrew Methven, the founder of RealTime Mandarin.

I’ve been learning Chinese for 25 years. I’ve lived in China and Taiwan, and worked in and with Chinese companies for two decades.

I started creating RealTime Mandarin in February 2021. And now, over 5 years and 300+ weekly issues later, it’s become an immersive learning platform read by 13,000+ China watchers and Mandarin enthusiasts, created by me and my team of native speakers every week.

What people are saying about RealTime Mandarin

“An excellent resource to help learners of Mandarin stay up to date with the latest language trends in China.”

Bill BishopBill Bishop Founder, Sinocism

“Wonderful platform for keeping my Mandarin current and refreshed, and staying informed about what’s happening in China.”

Madelyn RossMadelyn Ross President Emeritus, US-China Education Trust

“I very much enjoy RealTime Mandarin. It often makes me wistful for nights spent in the rowdy company of revellers in ‘Old Peking’.”

Geremie R. BarméGeremie R. BarméEditor, China Heritage, & Preeminent Sinologist