条条框框

條條框框

tiáotiáokuàngkuàng

noun #24,742

Meanings

1 rules and regulations
2 rigid restrictions
3 bureaucratic constraints

Characters

strip; clause; rule

frame; box; constraint

Examples

HSK 3

这里条条框框太多，做什么都很难。

Zhèlǐ tiáotiáokuàngkuàng tài duō, zuò shénme dōu hěn nán.

There are too many bureaucratic constraints here - everything is difficult to do.

HSK 5

创新需要打破各种条条框框。

Chuàngxīn xūyào dǎpò gèzhǒng tiáotiáokuàngkuàng.

Innovation requires breaking free from all sorts of rigid rules and restrictions.

Tips

usage

条条框框 is an AABB reduplication pattern (条条 from 条, 框框 from 框). It has a distinctly negative connotation, implying excessive, stifling red tape or bureaucratic rigidity. Compare with 规章制度 (rules and regulations), which is neutral.

Stroke Order

条 tiáo

框 kuàng