咸鱼 (xián yú) — 'salty fish

Literally meaning 'salty fish,' this term refers to someone who is passive or lacks ambition, often just going with the flow in life. It's commonly used to describe people who are content with doing the bare minimum and not pursuing their goals.

Example Usage

我最近变成了一个咸鱼,什么都不想做。

I've become a salty fish lately, not wanting to do anything.

Cultural Context

This term reflects a broader cultural attitude towards work-life balance and apathy, particularly among younger generations in China.

Category: daily-life