on1 jyu1 jin6 zong6安於現狀安于现状
Jyutpingon1 jyu1 jin6 zong6
Yaleōn yū yihn johng
Definition
To be content with the status quo, unwilling to make changes or progress.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom often carries a slightly critical or disappointed tone when used to describe someone who lacks ambition. It implies that the person is stagnating because they fear the effort required for change or growth. While it can describe a peaceful state of mind, it is most frequently used to point out someone's lack of drive.
Examples
He is very content with the status quo; he has been in the same job for ten years and refuses to change.
You are so young, why are you content with the status quo instead of going out to explore?
Related words
Common phrases
too content with the status quo
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being happy or satisfied, as it specifically highlights a lack of desire for improvement or progress. It is not used to describe a healthy sense of gratitude.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
