The Meaning
“佛系” (fó xì), literally translated as “Buddha-style,” refers to a laid-back, emotionally detached, and non-confrontational mindset. It’s a kind of non-confrontational, peaceful resignation, a mindset that prefers to let things happen rather than chase after them. A 佛系 person isn’t necessarily lazy – they just don’t see the point in fighting for things that may not matter in the long run.
“Everyone’s fighting so hard. I just want to breathe. 佛系 is my way of staying sane.” — Xiaohongshu user
“佛系 doesn’t mean giving up. It means not letting things mess with your inner peace.” — Weibo commenter
“Some people say we’re unmotivated, but I think we’re just realistic.” — Post-95s blogger
It’s roughly analogous to “chill” in English but has a more (lightly) negative connotation, akin to someone who is chill to the point of almost being apathetic.
The Origin
Originally used to describe boyfriends who don’t argue or obsess [佛系男朋友], the term 佛系 became viral in December 2017 after a viral WeChat article titled 《第一批90后已经佛系了》 (“The First Group of Post-90s Are Already Buddha-Style”) captured the growing emotional fatigue among China’s younger generation. These so-called “佛系青年” (青年 means youth) were not rebels or activists – they simply didn’t want to compete anymore.
The article humorously profiled young people who had grown up under immense pressure – first in school, then in jobs, and now in relationships and real estate. Tired of constantly striving, they were retreating inward, choosing detachment over desire. What began as satire turned out to be a spot-on diagnosis of a generational shift.
Since then, 佛系 has become a catch-all phrase online and offline. It’s a way to talk about youth burnout, shifting priorities, and a desire for simpler living – all with a touch of humor.
Usage of 佛系
佛系 is a term that can be used in all aspects in life: relationship, shopping, work, and even fandoms.
“I’m not texting first. If they reply, cool. If not, that’s fine.”
“Too lazy to compare prices – just bought the first one.”
“I’m not chasing a promotion. I’ll just do my job and go home on time.”
“I support my idol quietly. No drama, no arguments.”
#佛系生活 (#BuddhaStyleLife), #佛系青年 (#BuddhaStyleYouth)
You’ll find 佛系 content all over Weibo, Zhihu, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu, where people share memes, personal stories, and skits that poke fun at (or embrace) their 佛系 lifestyle.
What 佛系 Reflects About Contemporary Chinese Society
1. Soft Resistance to Pressure
China’s younger generations – especially those born after 1990 – grew up with the promise that if they studied hard and worked harder, they would succeed. But with today’s world of skyrocketing housing prices, fierce job competition, and stagnant wages, that dream feels more and more out of reach.
Today’s young adults in China are facing rising costs of living, intense academic and workplace competition, and a societal expectation to achieve traditional milestones – job, house, marriage – at breakneck speed. But with growing inequality and limited upward mobility, many are asking: “Is this really worth it?”
佛系 becomes a subtle, even strategic response. It’s not yelling “no” to the system. It’s quietly stepping aside and saying:
“You go ahead. I’ll be over here chilling.”
2. A New Set of Values
In rejecting hustle culture, 佛系 youth are redefining success. No longer is it all about financial or social status. Instead, they value emotional stability, authenticity, and peace of mind. For many, mental health takes priority over traditional success metrics. These take the form as:
- Less interest in climbing the corporate ladder
- More interest in avoiding burnout
- Less interest in being materialistic
- More self-preservation
佛系 and Its Buddhist Aesthetic
佛系 borrows its imagery from Zen Buddhism, with its teachings on non-attachment, tranquility, and letting go. But while the original philosophy encourages spiritual enlightenment, 佛系 youth apply these ideas more ironically – often with a cheeky undertone.
In other words, it’s Buddhism without the Buddhism:
- Don’t cling to results.
- Don’t obsess over control.
- Be chill and let things unfold.
Related Slang: 佛系, 躺平, 摆烂
佛系 is part of a broader digital vocabulary expressing quiet dissatisfaction with societal norms:
| Term | Meaning | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| 佛系 | Chill, go-with-the-flow | “Whatever.” |
| 躺平 (tǎng píng) | Lying flat, giving up on traditional expectations | “I’m done playing.” |
| 摆烂 (bǎi làn) | Letting things rot, not fixing problems | “Why bother?” |
佛系 isn’t about apathy – it’s about adaptation. When life feels like an unwinnable game, the best response may not be to fight harder – but to stop playing by the old rules. The 佛系 mindset offers a glimpse into how a new generation in China is navigating stress, competition, and meaning. It may look like giving up – but it’s often the opposite: a radical act of self-preservation.