Browse All Chinglish Phrases

Walk horse see flower

走马观花

Means to skim through something quickly without paying attention to details. A direct translation of a Chinese idiom.

Eat melon

吃瓜

Describes a bystander who watches drama or gossip without participating. Like eating a watermelon while watching a show.

One knife two pieces

一刀两断

Means to cut ties cleanly or end something decisively. A literal translation of the Chinese idiom.

Receive a dumpling

吃饺子

A misinterpretation of "receive an award" due to similar pronunciation. Classic translation fail from Chinese award cere...

Smelly but tasty

闻着臭吃着香

Describes food that smells awful but tastes amazing. Classic Chinese culinary philosophy directly translated.

Seven up eight down

七上八下

Describes an anxious or uneasy feeling, literally "seven up, eight down" like a heart leaping and sinking.

Face scan pay

刷脸支付

Paying with facial recognition technology. A Chinese tech term that went global.

Scold the street

骂街

To curse or yell at someone publicly in the street. A very specific Chinese concept translated literally.

White rabbit candy

大白兔奶糖

A classic Chinese candy brand. The literal name became iconic among foreigners visiting China.

Fragrant but also smelly

香飘十里，臭名远扬

A poetic Chinglish description of durian fruit — strong smell but delicious taste. Classic food market description.

Long time no see

好久不见

A greeting used after a long period apart. Now standard English.

Naked vegetable

裸菜

Uncooked unseasoned vegetables.

Heart tired

心累

Emotionally exhausted, mentally drained.

The slippery are very crafty

滑倒很狡猾

Completely lost translation of slippery floor.

Good good study day day up

好好学习天天向上

Study hard and make progress every day.

Take care prevent fire

注意防火

Fire safety sign.

No door

没门

No way, impossible.

Pay attention to safe

注意安全

Safety sign missing grammar.

You have two down son

你有两下子

You are quite skilled.

Transmit the document

转交文件

Pass in the document.