In 15 Seconds
- Used for mechanical leaks like cars or bikes.
- Commonly describes greasy food containers or delivery bags.
- Simple verb-object structure: something + 漏油 + 了.
- Not for water or secrets; strictly for oil/grease.
Meaning
It literally means a machine is leaking oil, but people use it to describe anything from a messy car to a greasy takeout container.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the car repair shop
师傅，我的车好像在漏油。
Master, it looks like my car is leaking oil.
Receiving a messy food delivery
袋子漏油了，弄得我一手都是。
The bag leaked oil; it got all over my hands.
Checking an old bicycle
这辆旧自行车一直在漏油。
This old bike has been leaking oil constantly.
Cultural Background
While literal, this phrase is a staple of 'delivery culture' in modern Chinese cities. It reflects the daily frustrations of urban life, from car maintenance to messy lunch orders. It is also a key term used when negotiating repairs or refunds with service providers.
The 'Leaky' Logic
In Chinese, '漏' (lòu) is the universal verb for any leak. Just swap the second word: 漏水 (water), 漏气 (gas/air), 漏电 (electricity).
Don't call people 'leaky oil'
While '油腻' (greasy) describes a sleazy person, '漏油' is never used for personality. It's strictly for objects!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for mechanical leaks like cars or bikes.
- Commonly describes greasy food containers or delivery bags.
- Simple verb-object structure: something + 漏油 + 了.
- Not for water or secrets; strictly for oil/grease.
What It Means
漏油 is a straightforward term. It describes oil escaping from where it belongs. Think of a car engine dripping on the driveway. Or a bottle of cooking oil tipped over in your bag. It is practical and visual. You see a mess, you say 漏油.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb-object phrase. Usually, you mention the object first. For example, 我的车漏油了. The 了 at the end shows a change. It means the leaking has started or been discovered. You can also use it for food. If a delivery bag is soaked in grease, that is 漏油. It is a great way to complain about a mess.
When To Use It
Use it when you see a mechanical problem. It is perfect for the mechanic or a landlord. Use it when your lunch delivery arrives messy. It works well in casual chats with friends. If your bike chain is making a mess, tell them. It is a very 'real world' phrase for daily life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for water. For water, use 漏水. Do not use it for secrets. For secrets, use 泄露. It is strictly for physical oil or grease. Avoid using it in poetic or romantic settings. Telling someone their heart is 'leaking oil' will just be confusing. Unless they are a robot, then it might be a medical emergency.
Cultural Background
In China, street food and delivery are huge. Sometimes the packaging is not great. You will often hear people complain about 漏油 with takeout. It is a common headache for office workers. Also, with the rise of electric cars, this phrase is becoming a 'gas car' problem. It carries a slight vibe of something being old or broken.
Common Variations
If it is just a tiny bit, you might say 渗油. That means 'seeping.' If the oil is everywhere, you might say 到处都是油. For a person who is 'greasy' in personality, we use 油腻. But 漏油 stays literal. Stick to the machines and the fried chicken bags.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and fits almost any register. Just remember that it is a physical description, not a figurative one.
The 'Leaky' Logic
In Chinese, '漏' (lòu) is the universal verb for any leak. Just swap the second word: 漏水 (water), 漏气 (gas/air), 漏电 (electricity).
Don't call people 'leaky oil'
While '油腻' (greasy) describes a sleazy person, '漏油' is never used for personality. It's strictly for objects!
The Shifu Secret
If you tell a mechanic '漏油了', they might try to overcharge you. Add '我检查过了' (I've checked it) to sound like you know your stuff!
Examples
6师傅，我的车好像在漏油。
Master, it looks like my car is leaking oil.
Calling a mechanic 'shifu' is the standard respectful way to start.
袋子漏油了，弄得我一手都是。
The bag leaked oil; it got all over my hands.
A common complaint when packaging fails.
这辆旧自行车一直在漏油。
This old bike has been leaking oil constantly.
Describes a persistent mechanical issue.
小心！你的摩托车在漏油。
Watch out! Your motorcycle is leaking oil.
An urgent observation to help a friend.
餐盒漏油严重，请处理一下。
The food box leaked oil badly; please handle this.
Slightly more formal for a customer service complaint.
这披萨盒漏油漏得像个喷泉。
This pizza box is leaking oil like a fountain.
Using a simile to exaggerate the mess.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word for a car leaking oil.
我的汽车底盘在___。
Cars use oil (油), so '漏油' is the correct term for an oil leak.
How do you say the oil leak has already happened?
不好了，油烟机___了。
Adding '了' indicates a state that has occurred or been discovered.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '漏油'
Complaining to friends about greasy food.
外卖漏油了！
Talking to a mechanic or landlord.
抽油烟机漏油。
Writing a report about equipment failure.
设备出现漏油现象。
Where you'll see '漏油'
Auto Shop
Engine issues
Kitchen
Range hood dripping
Street Food
Paper bag failing
Factory
Machine maintenance
Practice Bank
2 exercises我的汽车底盘在___。
Cars use oil (油), so '漏油' is the correct term for an oil leak.
不好了，油烟机___了。
Adding '了' indicates a state that has occurred or been discovered.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for water you must use 漏水 (lòu shuǐ). 油 specifically means oil or grease.
No, it is a literal, neutral term used in everyday conversation and professional settings.
You can say 不好意思，外卖漏油了 (Sorry, the takeout leaked oil).
漏油 is a clear leak, while 渗油 (shèn yóu) refers to a slow seepage or sweating of oil.
Usually, for ink, we say 漏墨 (lòu mò). However, if the ink is oil-based, some might say 漏油, but 漏墨 is better.
Yes, if you are discussing hardware or logistics issues, 漏油 is the correct technical term.
No, it doesn't. For secrets, use 泄密 (xiè mì) or 走漏风声 (zǒu lòu fēng shēng).
The 了 indicates a new situation has been discovered. 漏油了 means 'Oh look, it's leaking oil now!'
No, that would be 出汗 (chū hàn). Using 漏油 for a person would sound like they are a machine.
That is exactly when you use 漏油. You can say 抽油烟机漏油了.
Related Phrases
漏水
To leak water
油腻
Greasy (food or personality)
加油
To refuel / Go for it!
漏网之鱼
Fish that escaped the net (a fugitive)
