碌碌无为 mediocre and unaccomplished
Explanation
形容平庸平凡，无所作为，没有做出什么有价值的事情。
Describes a life of mediocrity and inaction, without any significant achievements.
Origin Story
从前，在一个小山村里，住着一位名叫阿牛的年轻人。阿牛天资聪颖，却因贪图安逸，整日游手好闲，不思进取。他与村里其他勤劳的年轻人相比，显得格格不入。村里人都说阿牛是个“碌碌无为”的人。 一日，一位云游四方的老禅师来到村里，见到阿牛后，便问他：“年轻人，你这一生有何打算？”阿牛挠挠头，支支吾吾地说：“我…我还没想好。”老禅师叹了口气，说道：“人生苦短，若虚度光阴，岂不枉费此生？你应该想想，你想要什么，又该怎样去争取。” 阿牛听了老禅师的话，开始反思自己的人生。他意识到自己过去的生活是多么的空虚和荒唐。他开始学习各种技能，努力工作，积极参加村里的各种活动。 几年后，阿牛的变化令人惊叹。他不仅拥有了丰厚的财富，更重要的是，他找到了人生的意义和价值。他不再是那个“碌碌无为”的年轻人了，而是一个充满活力，对未来充满希望的人。他的故事，也成了村里流传的佳话。
Once upon a time, in a small mountain village, there lived a young man named An Niu. An Niu was gifted, but he loved comfort and spent his days idle and without ambition. He didn't fit in with the other hardworking young people in the village. The villagers called An Niu a "mediocre" man. One day, a traveling old Zen master came to the village and, upon seeing An Niu, asked him, "Young man, what are your plans for your life?" An Niu scratched his head and stammered, "I... I haven't thought about it yet." The Zen master sighed and said, "Life is short. If you waste your time, it is a waste of life. You should think about what you want and how you should strive for it." An Niu listened to the Zen master's words and began to reflect on his life. He realized how empty and absurd his past life had been. He began to learn various skills, work hard, and actively participate in various village activities. Years later, An Niu's transformation was astonishing. He not only had acquired wealth but, more importantly, had found meaning and value in his life. He was no longer the "mediocre" young man but a vibrant person full of hope for the future. His story became a legend in the village.
Usage
常用作谓语、宾语，形容人平庸，无所作为。
Often used as a predicate or object to describe someone as mediocre and unaccomplished.
Examples
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他一生碌碌无为，毫无建树。
ta yisheng lulu wuwei, haowu jianshu
He lived a life of mediocrity, without any achievements.
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不要碌碌无为地度过一生，要为自己的梦想奋斗。
buya lulu wuwei di guo yisheng, yao wei zijide mengxiang fendou
Don't waste your life; strive for your dreams!