吃软饭 · chī ruǎn fàn

Literally: eat soft rice Usually means: live off one’s partner financially

It is not a compliment

If someone is described as 吃软饭, it means they are financially dependent on their partner instead of supporting themselves. The phrase is usually judgmental.

他总被人说是吃软饭的。Tā zǒng bèi rén shuō shì chī ruǎn fàn de.People often say he lives off his partner.

Traditionally, 吃软饭 was used especially about a man financially supported by a woman. You may see it online as a joke, but it can still carry a real sting.

Try another thing Chinese people “eat”

吃土 — be broke 吃独食 — refuse to share