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跑龙套

跑龍套
pǎolóngtào
verb HSK 7 #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

他在好几部电影里跑龙套。
Tā zài hǎo jǐ bù diànyǐng lǐ pǎo lóngtào.
He played minor roles in several films.
很多明星都是从跑龙套开始的。
Hěn duō míngxīng dōu shì cóng pǎo lóngtào 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