润

rùn

To emigrate / leave China — from the English word "run," used to describe people leaving the country.

Origin

Became widespread in 2022 as discussions about emigration increased. Uses the character 润 (moist/smooth) as a pun for "run."

Examples

Many tech workers are thinking about 润.

他润到加拿大了。(He emigrated to Canada.)

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.