做梦

You can use it as a standard verb to describe your night. For example, 'I dreamed about cats.' But for more flavor, use it as a reaction. When a friend says they will win the lottery tomorrow, you just say 你在做梦吧 (You're dreaming, right?). It acts as a reality check. It is short, punchy, and very effective.

Use it when discussing sleep or sharing weird midnight stories. It is also perfect for playful banter with friends. If someone asks for a huge favor without offering anything back, 做梦 is your go-to response. It works well in texting when someone sends an outrageous request. Just a simple 做梦呢 (Dreaming, huh?) does the trick.

Avoid using the sarcastic version with your boss or elders. It can sound quite rude or dismissive if the power dynamic isn't equal. Don't use it if someone is sharing a serious, achievable life goal. You don't want to crush their spirit! Stick to literal sleep talk in formal business meetings. Humor here requires a very close relationship.

Chinese culture has a long history of interpreting dreams, like the famous 'Zhou Gong's Book of Dreams.' But the modern slang usage reflects a more cynical, humorous side of the youth. It’s part of a 'lying flat' or realistic culture where people poke fun at impossible standards. It shows a shared understanding of what is actually possible in a tough world.

You will often hear 白日做梦 (daydreaming). This is a bit more formal and descriptive. There is also 别做梦了 (stop dreaming), which is a direct way to shut down an unrealistic idea. In internet slang, people might just use 梦里啥都有 (you have everything in your dreams) to imply that reality is much harsher.