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跑龙套

跑龍套
pǎolóngtào
verb HSK 7-9 #23,184

Meanings

  1. 1 to play a small role (in a play or film)
  2. 2 to be a bit player; to play a minor part

Examples

HSK 3
他在好几部电影里跑龙套。
Tā zài hǎojǐ bù diànyǐng lǐ pǎolóngtào.
He played minor roles in several films.
HSK 3
很多明星都是从跑龙套开始的。
Hěnduō míngxīng dōu shì cóng pǎolóngtào kāishǐ de.
Many stars started out as bit players.

Tips

history
龙套 originally referred to the extras in traditional Chinese opera who wore dragon-patterned costumes and appeared as soldiers or attendants.
usage
Can also be used figuratively to mean playing a minor or supporting role in any situation, not just acting.

Stroke Order

跑 pǎo
龙 lóng
套 tào