佛系

fó xì

Buddha-like — having a zen, whatever-happens-happens attitude toward life. Not caring about outcomes.

Origin

Originated from a 2014 Japanese magazine article about "Buddha-like men," adopted into Chinese internet culture around 2017.

Examples

I have a 佛系 approach to dating — if it happens, it happens.

佛系青年什么都无所谓。(Buddha-like youth don't care about anything.)

Related terms

那咋了

nà zǎ le

'So what?' / 'What about it?' — a breezy, unbothered verbal shrug from northeastern China that brushes off pressure, criticism, or a perceived shortcoming.

躺平

tǎng píng

Lying flat — rejecting the rat race, choosing to do the bare minimum instead of overworking.

摆烂

bǎi làn

Let it rot — giving up entirely on trying, embracing failure or mediocrity.

干饭人

gān fàn rén

Eating machine / foodie warrior — someone who eats with great enthusiasm and passion.