搭子 dā zi

An activity-specific buddy — a gym 搭子, lunch 搭子, travel 搭子. More casual than a friend, more committed than a stranger.

Literal translation

partner / companion

When to use it

Very current: "I'm looking for a badminton 搭子." Implies low-pressure, activity-focused bonding.

Origin

Dialect word revived in 2023 as young urbanites organized "friendship-lite" companionships.

Examples

我找个饭搭子,一个人吃饭没意思。
I'm looking for a lunch buddy — eating alone is boring.

Similar slang

伙伴 (partner — formal)饭友 (meal friend)

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