例行公事

lìxíng-gōngshì

idiom #11,827

Meanings

1 routine business
2 mere formality
3 going through the motions

Characters

example; routine

public; official

Examples

HSK 4

这次检查不过是例行公事。

Zhècì jiǎnchá búguò shì lìxíng-gōngshì.

This inspection is just a formality.

HSK 5

他把工作当成例行公事。

Tā bǎ gōngzuò dāngchéng lìxíng-gōngshì.

He treats work as just going through the motions.

Tips

usage

Often carries a slightly negative tone, implying something is done mechanically without real effort or sincerity.

Stroke Order

例 lì

行 xíng

公 gōng

事 shì