Xiehouyu and Slang

Xiehouyu and Slang in Chinese

Xiehouyu (歇后语) are two-part sayings: the first part sets up a scene, and the second gives the hidden punchline meaning. In natural speech, only the first part is often said — the listener must supply the conclusion.

Structure:

骑驴看唱本 — 走着瞧

(Reading a script while riding a donkey — we will see as we go)

The first half is the setup; the second half 走着瞧 means "wait and see." In conversation, a native speaker may just say 骑驴看唱本 and leave the rest unspoken.

Common xiehouyu to know:

• 狗咬吕洞宾——不识好人心 → Does not recognise a good-hearted person
• 八仙过海——各显神通 → Each shows their special ability
• 哑巴吃黄连——有苦说不出 → Suffering in silence

Chinese slang (俚语): Modern Chinese has rich slang especially from internet culture:

• 内卷 = intense competitive pressure / "involution"
• 躺平 = to lie flat, giving up on striving
• 打工人 = working-class person (self-deprecating humour)
• 卷 (as verb) = to engage in pointless competition

Register warning: Xiehouyu and slang are strictly informal (口语). Using them in formal writing or speeches is a mistake.