跑龙套

跑龍套

pǎo lóngtào

verb HSK 7-9 #23,184

Meanings

HSK 4

他在好几部电影里跑龙套。

Tā zài hǎojǐ bù diànyǐng lǐ pǎo lóngtào.

He played minor roles in several films.

HSK 5

很多明星都是从跑龙套开始的。

Hěnduō míngxīng dōu shì cóng pǎo lóngtào kāishǐ de.

Many stars started out as bit players.

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.

跑 pǎo

龙 lóng

套 tào