In the lead up to the TikTok ban in the United States, millions of Americans joined Red Note as “TikTok refugees.” This Chinese-language social media app called 小红书 (Xiǎo Hóng Shū) in Chinese is considered a cross between Instagram and Pinterest. One of the most popular apps among Chinese netizens, Red Note is widely used for advice and trends on beauty, fashion, travel and getting personal recommendations.
Though TikTok was quickly reinstated, many Americans have continued to use RedNote and have taken up learning Mandarin in the process. However, some expressions are more modern slang phrases and not considered standard Chinese. Here’s a breakdown on the most common expressions, their meaning, usage and cultural significance.
种草 (zhòng cǎo) – "Planting Grass"
One of the most widely used terms on Red Note, 种草 (zhòng cǎo) literally means "planting grass," but in the platform's context, it refers to recommending or endorsing a product. If someone "plants grass" in a post, they are introducing a product they love, hoping to influence others to try it.
Example:
这款口红太好看了，我已经被种草了！
(Zhè kuǎn kǒuhóng tài hǎokàn le, wǒ yǐjīng bèi zhòng cǎo le!)
"This lipstick is so beautiful, I’ve been completely influenced to buy it!"
拔草 (bá cǎo) – "Pulling Grass"
The opposite of 种草 (zhòng cǎo), 拔草 (bá cǎo) means "pulling grass," which refers to either purchasing an item that was previously recommended or deciding against buying it after learning more.
Example:
我看了很多评价，决定不买了，成功拔草。
(Wǒ kàn le hěnduō píngjià, juédìng bù mǎi le, chénggōng bá cǎo.)
"I read many reviews and decided not to buy it, successfully removed the temptation."
吃土 (chī tǔ) – "Eating Dirt"
吃土 (chī tǔ) is a humorous way of saying someone is broke after spending too much money, often on beauty products, fashion, or luxury items featured on Red Note.
Example:
这个月买太多化妆品了，下个月只能吃土了！
(Zhège yuè mǎi tài duō huàzhuāngpǐn le, xià gè yuè zhǐnéng chī tǔ le!)
"I bought too much makeup this month, next month I’ll be eating dirt!"
羊毛党 (yángmáo dǎng) – "Wool Party"
This term refers to people who hunt for discounts, freebies, and promotional deals on platforms like Red Note. The phrase comes from the saying “薅羊毛” (hāo yángmáo), meaning "to pluck wool," which symbolizes taking advantage of deals.
Example:
我就是一个羊毛党，总能找到最划算的折扣。
(Wǒ jiùshì yīgè yángmáo dǎng, zǒng néng zhǎodào zuì huásuàn de zhékòu.)
"I’m totally a deal hunter, I can always find the best discounts."
盘它 (pán tā) – "Get It" or "Obsession"
Originally from a viral video, 盘它 (pán tā) now means to obsess over something, admire it, or absolutely want to buy it.
Example:
这双鞋太好看了，必须盘它！
(Zhè shuāng xié tài hǎokàn le, bìxū pán tā!)
"These shoes look amazing, I have to get them!"
颜值 (yán zhí) – "Face Value"
Used to describe someone’s attractiveness or a product’s aesthetic appeal, 颜值 (yán zhí) is commonly used when reviewing beauty and fashion items.
Example:
这个化妆品的颜值太高了，我一定要买！
(Zhège huàzhuāngpǐn de yán zhí tài gāo le, wǒ yīdìng yào mǎi!)
"This beauty product looks so gorgeous, I must buy it!"
显白 (xiǎn bái) – "Brightening Effect"
显白 (xiǎn bái) means something (especially cosmetics or clothing) makes the wearer’s skin look fairer and more radiant.
Example:
这支口红特别显白，黄皮也能轻松驾驭。
(Zhè zhī kǒuhóng tèbié xiǎn bái, huáng pí yě néng qīngsōng jiàyù.)
"This lipstick really brightens the complexion, even people with yellow undertones can wear it easily."
断舍离 (duàn shě lí) – "Decluttering"
Inspired by the Japanese minimalist lifestyle, 断舍离 (duàn shě lí) means decluttering and simplifying life by letting go of unnecessary possessions.
Example:
看了断舍离的视频，我决定整理一下衣柜。
(Kàn le duàn shě lí de shìpín, wǒ juédìng zhěnglǐ yīxià yīguì.)
"After watching decluttering videos, I decided to organize my wardrobe."
平替 (píng tì) – "Affordable Alternative"
平替 (píng tì) means a budget-friendly dupe of an expensive product. This term is widely used on Red Note when users recommend cheaper alternatives to high-end cosmetics, fashion, or skincare.
Example: 这款粉底是某大牌的平替，性价比超高！ (Zhè kuǎn fěndǐ shì mǒu dàpái de píng tì, xìngjiàbǐ chāo gāo!) "This foundation is a great dupe for a luxury brand, amazing value!" 冲 (chōng) – "Go for It!" 冲 (chōng) is a simple and energetic way to say “go for it!” or “just buy it!” Example: 这次折扣力度太大了，冲！ (Zhè cì zhékòu lìdù tài dà le, chōng!) "This discount is insane, go for it!" 佛系 (fó xì) – "Buddha-Like Attitude" 佛系 (fó xì) describes a relaxed, indifferent attitude towards life, meaning someone doesn’t get overly attached to success or failure. Example:
我现在对购物佛系了，不打折就不买。
(Wǒ xiànzài duì gòuwù fó xì le, bù dǎzhé jiù bù mǎi.)
"I have a Buddha-like attitude towards shopping now—if there’s no discount, I won’t buy."
颜控 (yán kòng) – "Appearance Enthusiast"
颜控 (yán kòng) refers to someone who places a lot of importance on aesthetics, particularly when choosing products or people.
Example:
我是个颜控，所以买东西一定要好看。
(Wǒ shì gè yán kòng, suǒyǐ mǎi dōngxī yīdìng yào hǎokàn.)
"I’m all about looks, so anything I buy must be aesthetically pleasing."
吃播 (chī bō) – "Eating Livestream"
吃播 (chī bō) refers to livestreams where influencers eat large amounts of food while interacting with their audience. Example:
我最近喜欢看吃播，感觉特别治愈。
(Wǒ zuìjìn xǐhuān kàn chī bō, gǎnjué tèbié zhìyù.)
"I’ve been into watching eating livestreams lately; they feel so comforting."
无语 (wú yǔ) – "Speechless"
无语 (wú yǔ) is used to express frustration, disbelief, or annoyance, similar to saying "I have no words." Example:
这家店的服务太差了，真的无语。
(Zhè jiā diàn de fúwù tài chà le, zhēn de wú yǔ.)
"The service at this store is terrible; I’m honestly speechless."
好评如潮 (hǎo píng rú cháo) – "Flood of Good Reviews"
好评如潮 (hǎo píng rú cháo) describes a product or service that has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Example:
这款粉底液好评如潮，我也想试试。
(Zhè kuǎn fěndǐ yè hǎo píng rú cháo, wǒ yě xiǎng shì shì.)
"This foundation has a flood of good reviews; I want to try it too!"
Looking for an online Chinese class for your kids to learn Mandarin and Chinese culture? LingoAce is one of the best ways for kids to learn Chinese online. Each one-on-one lesson is the product of nearly 200 hours of curriculum development, teacher training, and quality control. LingoAce classes are tailored to meet your child's learning needs. Experience a redefined Chinese learning experience and book a free trial class with us today.
