dài fēi: 带飞 - To carry (someone to success), to piggyback, to lead the way

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Summary: “带飞” (dài fēi) is popular Chinese internet slang that originated in gaming culture. It literally means “to carry and fly,” and describes a situation where a highly skilled person (a “大神” or “great god”) leads their less-skilled teammates or colleagues to victory or success. Beyond gaming, it's now widely used in work, school, and social contexts to mean “carrying” someone through a difficult task, essentially ensuring their success through one's own expertise. Understanding “带飞” is key to grasping modern, informal Chinese communication.

Pinyin (with tone marks): dài fēi

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: To use one's superior skill or ability to lead another person or a team to success.

In a Nutshell: Imagine a video game where one expert player is so good they can single-handedly win the match for their entire team of beginners. They are “carrying” the team and making them “fly” to victory. This is the core idea of `带飞`. It has since expanded to describe any real-life situation where a capable, knowledgeable person guides a novice or a group to achieve a goal they couldn't have reached on their own.

带 (dài): The most common meaning is “to bring,” “to carry,” or “to lead.” Think of carrying a backpack (背包 bēibāo) or leading a child by the hand. In this context, it means to lead or take someone along.

飞 (fēi): This character simply means “to fly.” It evokes a sense of speed, ease, and rising above challenges.

Combined Meaning: Together, `带飞` creates a vivid image of an expert effortlessly “leading someone to fly.” It's not just helping; it's lifting someone up and making a difficult task seem easy and swift, resulting in a successful outcome.

Gaming Origins: The term was born in the world of competitive multiplayer online games like League of Legends (英雄联盟 - Yīngxióng Liánméng) and Honor of Kings (王者荣耀 - Wángzhě Róngyào). In these games, a single skilled player can often dominate the match and secure a win for their team, even if their teammates are inexperienced (called `菜鸟 càiniǎo`). This act of winning for others is the original meaning of `带飞`.

From Screen to Society: The concept was so relatable and useful that it quickly spread to everyday language. Now, a top student who does most of the work on a group project is said to `带飞` the group. A talented senior employee who guides a new intern through a complex task is also performing a `带飞`.

Comparison to Western Concepts: The English slang “to carry” or “to put the team on one's back” is a very close parallel, especially in its gaming origins. However, the addition of `飞` (fēi - to fly) gives the Chinese term a slightly different flavor. It implies not just a struggle or a burden for the expert, but a sense of grace, speed, and almost magical elevation for the person being helped. It also connects to the cultural importance of learning from a master or `大神 (dàshén)`, where the novice willingly follows the expert's lead to achieve a higher level of skill or success.

Informal and Widespread: `带飞` is highly informal and is most common among younger generations, but its usage is now understood by many. You'll hear it constantly in casual conversations, on social media, and in relaxed office environments.

Formality is Key: `带飞` is slang. Avoid using it in formal written documents, serious business presentations, or with elders and superiors you are not familiar with. It's best used among peers, friends, or in a relaxed, modern office culture. Instead of saying “老板，请带飞我” (Boss, please carry me), you would use a more formal phrase like “请您多指教” (Please give me your guidance).

`带飞` vs. `帮助` (bāngzhù - to help): These are not the same. `帮助` is a general term for “help” or “assist.” You can `帮助` someone carry their groceries. `带飞` specifically implies a large skill disparity where an expert leads a novice to a successful outcome that the novice could not achieve on their own. `带飞` is a type of `帮助`, but much more specific and impactful.

大神 (dàshén) - “Great god.” A master or expert in a certain field, especially gaming. This is the person who does the `带飞`.

菜鸟 (càiniǎo) - “Rookie” or “noob.” The inexperienced person who needs to be `带飞`.

躺赢 (tǎng yíng) - “To lie down and win.” To win effortlessly because you are on a team with a `大神` who is `带飞` everyone. It's the ultimate result of being carried.

抱大腿 (bào dàtuǐ) - “To hug a big thigh.” To attach oneself to a powerful or influential person to gain benefits. It's similar to seeking to be `带飞`, but can have a slightly more desperate or sycophantic connotation.

大佬 (dàlǎo) - “Big boss” or “big shot.” Similar to `大神`, this is an influential, respected, and highly skilled person in any field, from business to academia.

萌新 (méng xīn) - “Cute newbie.” A more affectionate term for a beginner (`新人`), often used in online communities and gaming.

牛 (niú) / 牛逼 (niúbī) - “Awesome,” “badass,” “badass.” An adjective used to describe someone who is capable enough to `带飞` others.

高手 (gāoshǒu) - “High hand.” A more traditional and formal word for an expert or master. A `高手` is the kind of person who can `带飞`.