条条框框

條條框框
tiáotiáokuàngkuàng
noun #24,742

Meanings

  1. 1 rules and regulations
  2. 2 rigid restrictions
  3. 3 bureaucratic constraints

Examples

Chuàngxīn xūyào dǎpò gèzhǒng tiáotiáokuàngkuàng.
Innovation requires breaking free from all sorts of rigid rules and restrictions.
Zhèlǐ tiáotiáokuàngkuàng tài duō, zuò shénme dōu hěn nán.
There are too many bureaucratic constraints here — everything is difficult to do.

Tips

usage
条条框框 is an AABB reduplication pattern ( from , 框框 from ). 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

tiáo
kuàng