If you spend time on Chinese social media or chat with colleagues, you might notice people talking about “摸鱼 (mō yú)” a lot. Literally, it means “touching fish,” but in everyday life it‘s used to describe slacking off, taking it easy at work, or doing just enough to get by.
Slang like this is playful, expressive, and full of personality. Even native speakers smile when they use it. Learning these words helps you join conversations naturally—at the office, in a group chat, or online—without feeling like an outsider.
Why “摸鱼” Became Popular
The phrase comes from the idea of fishing without working hard—keeping your hands in the water while letting the fish swim by. In modern China, it‘s jokingly applied to work life, study, or even everyday tasks: doing just enough while secretly enjoying a break.
Example in daily life:
Jīn tiān shàng wǔ wǒ yī zhí zài mō yú.
今天上午我一直在摸鱼。
This morning I was just slacking off at work.
Other Fun Slang Related to “摸鱼”
Here are some trending words you‘ll see online:
Mō yú
摸鱼
Slacking off at work
Fó xì
佛系
Being chill, taking things easy
Tǎng píng
躺平
Giving up pressure, living relaxed
How it shows up in real life:
Jīn tiān wǒ zhǐ xiǎng mō yú, bù xiǎng jiā bān.
今天我只想摸鱼，不想加班。
I just want to slack off today; no overtime.
Zuì jìn tài lèi le, wǒ jué dìng tǎng píng.
最近太累了，我决定躺平。
I‘ve been too tired lately, so I‘m going to take it easy.
Wǒ bǐ jiào fó xì, bú tài zài yì zhè xiē shì qíng.
我比较佛系，不太在意这些事情。
I‘m pretty chill and don‘t worry too much about things.
How to Use Slang Like a Native
Using slang appropriately shows you understand the culture, but context matters: office jokes, casual chats, or social media posts are perfect places. Avoid using it in formal emails or serious meetings.
Tips:
- Listen first—notice how colleagues or friends use it.
- Mirror the tone—slang is playful, not aggressive.
- Keep it light—these words are meant to entertain, not offend.
Join the Fun with Chinese Slang
Chinese slang is more than just words—it‘s a window into everyday culture, humor, and online trends. By learning expressions like 摸鱼, 躺平, 佛系, you can participate naturally in conversations, make friends, and even laugh along with locals.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers don‘t just teach textbook Mandarin—they guide you through real social situations, online chats, and office banter.
Try a free 1-on-1 trial class today, and start using Chinese slang like a native!
Quiz：If someone says “Jīn tiān wǒ zài mō yú” (今天我在摸鱼), what are they doing?
A. Catching fish
B. Slacking off
C. Studying hard
Comment your answer below!
Answers: B