Have you ever watched Chinese speakers burst into laughter—and had no idea why?
You understood the words, but the meaning? Completely lost.
That’s because humor in Chinese works differently. It often relies on slang, tone, memes, and wordplay that don’t translate directly. Today, we’ll walk you through how everyday Chinese speakers use humor, and how you can start to understand (and maybe even use!) it yourself.
1. Slang: How Chinese Internet Users Get Creative
When you scroll through platforms like Weibo or Douyin, you’ll often see comments that make everyone laugh—yet they might look completely confusing if you’re not familiar with the language. This is Chinese internet slang at work. These phrases often come from pop culture or are playful twists on formal vocabulary, giving them new and humorous meanings.
Fresh Slang Expressions You Should Know
栓Q (shuān Q) – a mock-Chinese way of saying “Thank you” (from English “thank you”)
Used sarcastically when you’re frustrated, not genuinely thankful.
Example:
Wǒ diànnǎo yòu sǐjī le, shuān Q
我电脑又死机了，栓Q！
My computer crashed again. Thanks a lot!
发疯文学 (fā fēng wénxué) – “crazy literature”
A humorous term for dramatic, exaggerated posts or emotional breakdown-style rants.
Example:
Tā língchén sān diǎn hái zài fā péngyǒuquān, yìbiān kū yìbiān dǎzì, jiǎnzhí shì fāfēng wénxué xiànchǎng.
她凌晨三点还在发朋友圈，一边哭一边打字，简直是发疯文学现场。
She was still posting on her Moments at 3 a.m., crying and typing at the same time—it was like a live performance of “crazy literature.”
你品，你细品 (nǐ pǐn, nǐ xì pǐn) – “taste it, taste it carefully”
Used humorously to tell someone to read between the lines or to hint at sarcasm.
Example:
Tā méi shuō ài nǐ, dàn fā le sān shǒu qínggē. nǐ pǐn, nǐ xì pǐn
他没说爱你，但发了三首情歌。你品，你细品。
He didn’t say he loves you, but sent you three love songs. Think about it.
2. Wordplay: Puns, Numbers, and Sound-Alikes
Chinese has tons of homophones—words that sound the same but mean different things. This opens the door to tons of puns, jokes, and number codes.
Popular Examples of Wordplay
88 = 拜拜 (bā bā = bāibāi)
“88” sounds like “bye-bye” and is often used at the end of texts or chats.
Example:
Bù shuō le, bā bā
不说了，88！
Gotta go, bye!
6 (liù) – sounds like 溜 (smooth, cool)
Used to describe something done well or smoothly, similar to saying “nice!” or “lit.”
Example:
Nǐ zhè bō cāozuò tài liù le!
你这波操作太6了！
That move was so slick!
3. Memes: The Internet’s Favorite Language
Chinese meme humor moves fast, and if you don’t know the reference, you might miss the whole joke. Memes are often visual but include certain phrases that people say in daily conversation too.
Meme-Driven Expressions
我人没了 (wǒ rén méi le) – “I’m gone”
Used to express dramatic laughter, shock, or secondhand embarrassment.
Example:
Tā qiúhūn shībài hái shuāile yī jiāo, wǒ xiào de rén méi le.
他求婚失败还摔了一跤，我笑得人没了。
He got rejected and fell down during the proposal—I’m dead.
i人 (i rén) / e人 (e rén)
Based on “Introvert” (I-type) and “Extrovert” (E-type) personalities, mixed with Chinese pinyin.
Example:
Zuòwéi i rén, wǒ yí gè zhōumò dōu bù xiǎng chūmén
作为i人，我一个周末都不想出门。
As an introvert, I don’t want to leave the house all weekend.
地铁老人看手机 (dìtiě lǎorén kàn shǒujī)
“Old man on subway looking at phone” — refers to a reaction meme for mild surprise or judgment.
Example:
Nǐ jūrán hái zài yòng Nuòjīyà? dìtiě lǎorén kàn shǒujī.jpg
你居然还在用诺基亚？地铁老人看手机.jpg
You’re still using a Nokia? Old man on subway looking at phone.jpg.
4. Tone and Context: The Subtle Side of Chinese Humor
In Chinese, humor often comes not from what you say—but how you say it. It’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s super dry, overly polite, or intentionally formal in the wrong setting.
Cultural Tips
- Fake politeness can be a form of passive aggression or humor.
- Understatement is often funnier than exaggeration.
- Regional accents can make things sound instantly more amusing.
Want to Understand Chinese the Way Locals Use It?
At eChineseLearning, we help learners go beyond grammar and textbooks. Our tutors teach:
- Real-life slang and trending expressions
- How to use humor naturally in conversation
- Meme references and cultural context
- Personalized speaking feedback
Start sounding like a real person—not just a textbook. Book a free trial today!
Quiz: Calling someone “6 (liù)” means they:
A. Are clumsy
B. Did something cool
C. Should slow down
Answer: B