“Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn”: Vietnam’s Viral Trend Explained

Lately, Vietnamese social media has been buzzing with the catchy phrase: “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” (literally: "Near ink gets you stained, near nature you relax"). Originating from a lighthearted TikTok video by user wildman258, this quirky trend quickly became a favorite catchphrase across platforms like TikTok, Threads, and Facebook.

But what does it actually mean? Where does it come from? Let’s dive into the origins, meaning, and why it resonates so much with young Vietnamese netizens.

Where Did the “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” Trend Start?

This viral trend began with a TikTok clip by wildman258, where he’s seen joyfully dancing in a lush green setting. The background music features playful, self-written lyrics that instantly evoke a chill, carefree vibe:

“Cuộc sống chưa bao giờ thấy nản
Do mình biết cách thư giãn, làm bạn với thiên nhiên
Chỉ có sảng khoái và hồn nhiên
Thế mà người ta cứ bảo mình điên, trong khi mình vẫn sống an nhiên.”

Rough translation:

“Life has never felt tiring,
Because I know how to relax, make friends with nature.
Only joy and innocence remain,
Though people call me crazy, I still live peacefully.”

Wildman258 dancing to the viral “nature relaxes you” tune, spreading an eco-friendly message.

No complex philosophy here—just pure, relatable fun. The combination of carefree visuals and catchy lyrics struck a chord with viewers. The playful rephrasing of a traditional Vietnamese proverb made “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” an instant hit, spreading quickly as a humorous, lighthearted expression of stress-free living.

Understanding the Meaning

“Gần mực thì đen” – A Classic Proverb, Reimagined

In Vietnamese, there’s an old saying: “Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng”—which means “Near ink, you’ll be stained; near light, you’ll shine.” Basically, it’s a reminder that your surroundings and the people around you affect who you become. Bad influences rub off on you; good ones help you grow.

In this trend, people gave it a fun twist:

“Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn.” (Near ink gets you stained, near nature you relax)

Instead of “light” as the positive influence, now it’s nature. The message? Nature helps you chill, de-stress, and feel balanced in today’s hectic world. Same structure, new (and very 2024) meaning.

The Wordplay

Why Is Everyone Loving “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn”?

The secret sauce? Clever wordplay.

In his song, wildman258 plays with sounds and meanings. For example, rhyming “thư giãn” (relax) with “thấy nản” (feel tired) creates a fun contrast: same sound, opposite vibes.

He also repeats words ending in “-iên” (like hồn nhiên, an nhiên), which keeps the lyrics flowing smoothly and lighthearted. Even when he sings about people calling him “crazy" (điên,) it feels more like celebrating being carefree and living life your way.

The trend “Near ink gets you stained, near nature you relax” is taking over TikTok.

That playful tone—and the way it connects to everyday Vietnamese phrases—made “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” super easy for everyone to remember and share.

Many users are searching for this trending nature-inspired phrase.

How This Trend Took Over Social Media

In just a few days, “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” became a viral hit across TikTok, Threads, Facebook—you name it. People couldn’t get enough of the fun, relatable vibe from wildman258’s video. Soon, everyone was posting their own nature-filled photos and videos to join the trend.

Fans of singer Kay Trần join the trend, sharing lighthearted and funny moments of their idol.

When People Chill with Nature

Young Vietnamese netizens started recording their own “chill” moments in nature—whether it’s relaxing in their backyard, strolling through a park, or hiking in the mountains. These clips usually featured the catchy song, making viewers feel connected and encouraging everyone to find peace in nature as a way to escape daily stress.

This trend captivates people with its calming and soothing vibe.

Even Pets Are Vibing

Not just humans! Clips of dogs, cats, rabbits lounging lazily in the sun or vibing with the song went viral too. Watching a creature be “hồn nhiên” (innocent) while sunbathing? Instant mood booster.

Posts of animals enjoying nature are joining the “Near nature, relax” trend.

Gen Z's Way of Saying “Life's Tough, But I'm Chilling”

Beyond nature scenes, Vietnamese Gen Z also used this trend to lighten up stressful moments—like studying, working overtime, or fighting deadlines. The message? No matter how stressful life gets, stay chill, keep your inner peace, and don’t let negativity get to you.

Bottom lines

At first glance, “Gần mực thì đen, gần thiên nhiên thì thư giãn” might seem like just a random internet joke. But actually, it’s a clever mix of old-school Vietnamese wisdom and today’s chill, nature-loving mindset.

This trend brings a fresh spin to a classic proverb, turning it into something young people can easily relate to. It’s fun, catchy, but also reminds us to slow down, enjoy simple things, and not take life too seriously.

For expats, travelers, and anyone curious about Vietnam’s modern culture, this is a perfect example of how Vietnamese Gen Z keeps their traditions alive—but in their own playful, creative way.

Want to explore more fun Vietnamese trends and what they really mean? Visit CHUS for culture deep-dives, and while you’re there, check out unique, authentic Vietnamese souvenir gifts made by local artisans!