diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 4b54413..1586e77 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## 0.3.14
+
+### Config
+- **Default language is English** (`en`). Switch to 简体中文 / 繁體 via
+  `grok-hud settings` or `grok-hud lang zh` / `lang tw`.
+
 ## 0.3.13
 
 ### Fixes
diff --git a/README.en.md b/README.en.md
index c2c09c6..016201f 100644
--- a/README.en.md
+++ b/README.en.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ ctx ██████░░░░ 50% (252k/500k) · i … o … c 99% · use 2
 | Activity | Tools, agents, todos |
 | Theme | Follows Grok `[ui].theme` (not locked) |
 | Multi-terminal | Independent session per tab |
-| Language | Default **简体中文**; English / 繁體 available |
+| Language | Default **English**; 简体中文 / 繁體 available |
 
 Repo: http://172.238.15.154:3000/Redredchen01/grok-build-hud  
 Plugin id: `grok-build-hud` · version in [`plugin.json`](./plugin.json)
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ scripts/install.sh       # one-shot installer
 | **essential** | 2 | Model/git + context/usage + activity |
 | **minimal** | 1 | Dense single row |
 
-`language`: `zh-Hans` (default) / `en` / `zh-Hant`
+`language`: `en` (default) / `zh-Hans` / `zh-Hant`
 
 Theme always tracks Grok `/theme` unless `GROK_HUD_LOCK=1`.
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7a501cb..6d9708f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ Grok 4.5 · AI FILM SPACE/0717 · ●
 | 活动 | 工具、agent、todos |
 | 主题 | 跟随 Grok `[ui].theme`，不锁死 |
 | 多终端 | 每个标签页**独立** session，互不串线 |
-| 语言 | 默认**简体中文**，可切英文 / 繁體 |
+| 语言 | 默认 **English**，可切简体中文 / 繁體 |
 
 仓库：http://172.238.15.154:3000/Redredchen01/grok-build-hud  
 插件名：`grok-build-hud` · 版本见 [`plugin.json`](./plugin.json)
@@ -216,8 +216,8 @@ grok-hud stop
 grok-hud settings
 
 # 快捷切语言
-grok-hud lang zh    # 简体中文（默认）
-grok-hud lang en    # English
+grok-hud lang en    # English（默认）
+grok-hud lang zh    # 简体中文
 grok-hud lang tw    # 繁體中文
 ```
 
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ tmux source-file ~/.grok/hud/tmux.conf && tmux refresh-client -S
 
 常用字段：
 
-- `language`：`zh-Hans`（默认）/ `en` / `zh-Hant`
+- `language`：`en`（默认）/ `zh-Hans` / `zh-Hant`
 - `bold: true` — 粗体数值
 - `barWidth: 14` — 进度条宽度  
 
diff --git a/commands/settings.md b/commands/settings.md
index fcf5625..5471233 100644
--- a/commands/settings.md
+++ b/commands/settings.md
@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ grok-build-hud --settings
 ## Language shortcuts
 
 ```bash
-grok-hud lang zh   # 简体中文 (default)
-grok-hud lang en   # English
+grok-hud lang en   # English (default)
+grok-hud lang zh   # 简体中文
 grok-hud lang tw   # 繁體中文
 ```
 
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 44e8ec9..634f730 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "grok-build-hud",
-  "version": "0.3.13",
+  "version": "0.3.14",
   "description": "第三方 Grok Build 状态条（非 xAI 官方）：同窗口上下文/配额/token/工具；plugin + CLI + tmux HUD",
   "type": "module",
   "main": "dist/src/index.js",
diff --git a/plugin.json b/plugin.json
index 9b0742a..46a500e 100644
--- a/plugin.json
+++ b/plugin.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "grok-build-hud",
-  "version": "0.3.13",
+  "version": "0.3.14",
   "description": "第三方 Grok Build 状态条（非官方）：同窗口上下文/配额/token/工具/待办；tmux HUD + 会话斜杠命令",
   "author": {
     "name": "Redredchen01"
diff --git a/skills/grok-build-hud/SKILL.md b/skills/grok-build-hud/SKILL.md
index 97c736c..92d6a28 100644
--- a/skills/grok-build-hud/SKILL.md
+++ b/skills/grok-build-hud/SKILL.md
@@ -35,8 +35,8 @@ One-shot: build CLI → install tmux dashboard → `grok plugin install . --trus
 ```bash
 grok                              # wrapped: Grok + bottom HUD (same tab)
 grok-hud status                   # one-shot print
-grok-hud settings                 # language (中/英), preset, rows
-grok-hud lang zh|en|tw
+grok-hud settings                 # language (default en; 中文可选), preset, rows
+grok-hud lang en|zh|tw            # en default
 grok-build-hud --preset full|essential|minimal
 grok-build-hud --theme auto       # follow Grok [ui].theme
 grok-hud stop                     # stop dashboard daemon
diff --git a/src/hud-config.ts b/src/hud-config.ts
index e7f26e5..82c4423 100644
--- a/src/hud-config.ts
+++ b/src/hud-config.ts
@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ export const PRESET_FULL: HudDisplayConfig = {
   preset: "full",
   lineLayout: "expanded",
   pathLevels: 2,
-  /** Default UI language: 简体中文 (switch to en in settings) */
-  language: "zh-Hans",
+  /** Default UI language: English (switch to 中文 in settings) */
+  language: "en",
   statusLines: 3,
   bold: true,
   barWidth: 14,
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ export function loadHudConfig(
     if (!fs.existsSync(p)) {
       return {
         ...PRESET_FULL,
-        language: "zh-Hans",
+        language: "en",
         display: { ...PRESET_FULL.display },
       };
     }
@@ -164,8 +164,8 @@ export function loadHudConfig(
     return {
       ...base,
       ...raw,
-      // Prefer saved language; default 中文 when missing
-      language: raw.language ?? base.language ?? "zh-Hans",
+      // Prefer saved language; default English when missing
+      language: raw.language ?? base.language ?? "en",
       bold: raw.bold ?? base.bold ?? true,
       barWidth: raw.barWidth ?? base.barWidth ?? 14,
       statusLines: raw.statusLines ?? base.statusLines ?? 3,
@@ -174,13 +174,13 @@ export function loadHudConfig(
   } catch {
     return {
       ...PRESET_FULL,
-      language: "zh-Hans",
+      language: "en",
       display: { ...PRESET_FULL.display },
     };
   }
 }
 
-/** Ensure config exists with Chinese default (idempotent). */
+/** Ensure config exists with English default (idempotent). */
 export function ensureDefaultConfig(
   grokHome = path.join(os.homedir(), ".grok"),
 ): HudDisplayConfig {
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ export function ensureDefaultConfig(
   if (!fs.existsSync(p)) {
     const cfg = {
       ...PRESET_FULL,
-      language: "zh-Hans" as const,
+      language: "en" as const,
       display: { ...PRESET_FULL.display },
     };
     saveHudConfig(cfg, grokHome);
diff --git a/src/i18n.ts b/src/i18n.ts
index 858bb05..1a2a285 100644
--- a/src/i18n.ts
+++ b/src/i18n.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /**
  * HUD + settings UI strings.
- * Default language: zh-Hans (简体中文). Switch via settings → English.
+ * Default language: en (English). Switch via settings → 中文 / 繁體.
  */
 import type { HudDisplayConfig } from "./hud-config.js";
 
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ const EN: HudStrings = {
 
 export function normalizeLang(raw?: string | null): HudLang {
   const s = (raw || "").trim().toLowerCase();
-  if (!s) return "zh-Hans";
+  if (!s) return "en";
   if (s === "en" || s === "english" || s === "eng") return "en";
   if (
     s === "zh-hant" ||
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@ export function normalizeLang(raw?: string | null): HudLang {
   ) {
     return "zh-Hans";
   }
-  return "zh-Hans";
+  return "en";
 }
 
 export function t(lang?: string | null): HudStrings {
diff --git a/src/index.ts b/src/index.ts
index a71f60a..3f148c5 100644
--- a/src/index.ts
+++ b/src/index.ts
@@ -269,13 +269,14 @@ Also:
   grok-build-hud --theme auto   # follow Grok /theme (default, not locked)
   grok-build-hud --preset full|essential|minimal
   grok-hud settings             # 设定界面（语言 中/英、预设、行数）
-  grok-hud lang zh              # 快捷：简体中文
-  grok-hud lang en              # 快捷：English
+  grok-hud lang en              # English (default)
+  grok-hud lang zh              # 简体中文
+  grok-hud lang tw              # 繁體中文
 
 Theme: always tracks Grok [ui].theme (auto → OS light/dark maps).
   Change inside Grok with /theme — HUD re-paints in ~1s.
 
-Language: default 简体中文; switch in settings or: grok-hud lang en
+Language: default English; switch in settings or: grok-hud lang zh
 
 Lifecycle: Terminal open → ready (not machine boot).
 文档: README.md（中文）· README.en.md（English）
@@ -391,7 +392,7 @@ export async function runCli(
     // keep readability defaults + user language
     cfg.bold = true;
     cfg.barWidth = Math.max(cfg.barWidth ?? 12, 12);
-    cfg.language = prev.language ?? "zh-Hans";
+    cfg.language = prev.language ?? "en";
     const saved = saveHudConfig(cfg, grokHome);
     writeTmuxConfFile(opts.grokHome);
     applyTmuxStatusBar({ grokHome: opts.grokHome });
@@ -485,7 +486,7 @@ export async function runCli(
       out(`             (plain command — auto HUD; no extra flags)`);
       out(`  theme:     follows Grok /theme (not locked)`);
       out(
-        `  language:  ${hudCfg.language}  (设定: grok-hud settings · 切英文: grok-hud lang en)`,
+        `  language:  ${hudCfg.language}  (settings: grok-hud settings · 中文: grok-hud lang zh)`,
       );
       if (r.grokWrap) {
         out(`  wrap:      ${r.grokWrap.wrapperPath}`);
diff --git a/src/install-dashboard.ts b/src/install-dashboard.ts
index 7d6a7c0..f075c28 100644
--- a/src/install-dashboard.ts
+++ b/src/install-dashboard.ts
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ if-shell '[ -f "$HOME/.grok/hud/tmux.conf" ]' 'source-file ~/.grok/hud/tmux.conf
 
   // Theme: always follow Grok [ui].theme (clear legacy locks)
   ensureFollowMode(grokHome);
-  // Default language 简体中文 (user can switch in settings)
+  // Default language English (user can switch to 中文 in settings)
   ensureDefaultConfig(grokHome);
 
   // Terminal-open hook (primary lifecycle): interactive zsh → ensure daemon
diff --git a/src/settings-ui.ts b/src/settings-ui.ts
index 7010858..d8488a0 100644
--- a/src/settings-ui.ts
+++ b/src/settings-ui.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /**
  * Interactive settings UI for language / preset / rows.
- * Default language: 简体中文; switchable to English / 繁體.
+ * Default language: English; switchable to 简体中文 / 繁體.
  */
 import * as readline from "node:readline";
 import {
@@ -77,14 +77,14 @@ async function pickLanguage(
   out: (s: string) => void,
 ): Promise<HudLang> {
   const s = t(cfg.language);
-  out(`  1) ${s.langZh}`);
-  out(`  2) ${s.langZhHant}`);
-  out(`  3) ${s.langEn}`);
+  out(`  1) ${s.langEn}  (default)`);
+  out(`  2) ${s.langZh}`);
+  out(`  3) ${s.langZhHant}`);
   out(`  b) ${s.back}`);
   const ans = await ask(rl, `  ${s.choose}: `);
-  if (ans === "1" || ans === "zh" || ans === "cn") return "zh-Hans";
-  if (ans === "2" || ans === "tw" || ans === "hant") return "zh-Hant";
-  if (ans === "3" || ans === "en") return "en";
+  if (ans === "1" || ans === "en") return "en";
+  if (ans === "2" || ans === "zh" || ans === "cn") return "zh-Hans";
+  if (ans === "3" || ans === "tw" || ans === "hant") return "zh-Hant";
   return normalizeLang(cfg.language);
 }
 
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ export async function runSettingsUi(
 
   // Default to Chinese if somehow empty
   if (!cfg.language) {
-    cfg = { ...cfg, language: "zh-Hans" };
+    cfg = { ...cfg, language: "en" };
   }
 
   const rl = readline.createInterface({
diff --git a/src/tmux-hud.ts b/src/tmux-hud.ts
index a3ea5a6..c3add98 100644
--- a/src/tmux-hud.ts
+++ b/src/tmux-hud.ts
@@ -22,12 +22,9 @@ import {
 /** Brand-new Terminal status: ctx 0%, no leakage from previous windows. */
 export function seedIdleTmuxStatus(instDir: string): void {
   fs.mkdirSync(instDir, { recursive: true });
-  const idleSingle = "窗 ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —\n";
-  const idleLines = [
-    "— · —",
-    "窗 ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —",
-    "",
-  ].join("\n") + "\n";
+  // English labels (default UI language); live dashboard rewrites with user lang
+  const idleSingle = "ctx ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —\n";
+  const idleLines = ["— · —", "ctx ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —", ""].join("\n") + "\n";
   fs.writeFileSync(path.join(instDir, "tmux-status.txt"), idleSingle, "utf8");
   fs.writeFileSync(path.join(instDir, "tmux-lines.txt"), idleLines, "utf8");
   fs.writeFileSync(path.join(instDir, "status-line.txt"), "[hud] ctx 0%\n", "utf8");
@@ -83,7 +80,7 @@ export function tmuxStatusCommands(grokHome = defaultGrokHome()): string[][] {
   const scopedSingle = `${instRoot}/#{session_name}/tmux-status.txt`;
   // NEVER fall back to global ~/.grok/hud/tmux-*.txt — that leaked the previous
   // Terminal's high ctx% into brand-new windows (should show 0% / idle).
-  const idleSingle = "窗 ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —";
+  const idleSingle = "ctx ░░░░░░░░░░ 0% · —";
   // Up to 3 status rows in the SAME terminal window
   const statusLines = Math.max(
     1,
diff --git a/tests/i18n.test.ts b/tests/i18n.test.ts
index 4f814a7..815c346 100644
--- a/tests/i18n.test.ts
+++ b/tests/i18n.test.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@ import type { SessionSnapshot } from "../src/types.js";
 
 describe("i18n + settings language", () => {
   it("defaults and normalizes languages", () => {
-    assert.equal(normalizeLang(undefined), "zh-Hans");
+    assert.equal(normalizeLang(undefined), "en");
+    assert.equal(normalizeLang(""), "en");
     assert.equal(normalizeLang("zh"), "zh-Hans");
     assert.equal(normalizeLang("en"), "en");
     assert.equal(normalizeLang("tw"), "zh-Hant");
diff --git a/tests/layout.test.ts b/tests/layout.test.ts
index 5f327d9..2ec8aff 100644
--- a/tests/layout.test.ts
+++ b/tests/layout.test.ts
@@ -106,9 +106,9 @@ describe("layout", () => {
     for (const ln of narrow) {
       assert.ok(visibleLen(ln) <= 50, `line too long: ${visibleLen(ln)} ${stripTmuxStyles(ln)}`);
     }
-    // hierarchy styles present on wide (default language 中文 labels)
+    // hierarchy styles present on wide (default language English labels)
     const joined = wide.join("\n");
     assert.match(joined, /italics|dim|bold/);
-    assert.match(joined, /入 |出 |缓 |窗 /);
+    assert.match(joined, /\bi |\bo |\bc |ctx /);
   });
 });