松弛感

What does 松弛感 mean?

松弛感 describes an easygoing, unflustered state of mind: not panicking, not overthinking, and not being too hard on yourself. People praise someone's 松弛感 when they stay natural and good-humored in a stressful moment, like an interview, a mishap or a big competition. It has also become a lifestyle ideal, the opposite of the anxious, overachieving mood of 内卷. It is close to English “chill” or “unbothered”, but with a more admiring, aspirational tone.

Where does 松弛感 come from?

The word caught on after a blogger's widely shared travel story about a family who lost their luggage before a trip yet stayed calm and cheerful about it. It peaked in 2024, partly because young Chinese athletes at the Paris Olympics were praised for competing with this relaxed attitude, and 《咬文嚼字》 (Yaowen Jiaozi) included it in its 2024 top ten buzzwords.

How to use 松弛感

• 她面试时一点都不紧张，特别有松弛感。
  Tā miànshì shí yìdiǎn dōu bù jǐnzhāng, tèbié yǒu sōng chí gǎn.
  She wasn't nervous at all in the interview; she was so relaxed and composed.
• 周末不安排任何事，给自己一点松弛感。
  Zhōumò bù ānpái rènhé shì, gěi zìjǐ yìdiǎn sōng chí gǎn.
  I'm not planning anything this weekend, just giving myself some breathing room.