繁文缛节

繁文縟節

fánwén-rùjié

idiom #25,646

Meanings

1 unnecessary formalities
2 excessive red tape
3 overelaborate etiquette

Characters

complex; numerous; elaborate

writing; rites; formalities

ornate; fussy; overly detailed

festival; detail; ritual; rule

Examples

HSK 7-9

政府要精简行政，减少繁文缛节。

Zhèngfǔ yào jīngjiǎn xíngzhèng, jiǎnshǎo fánwén-rùjié.

The government should streamline administration and reduce red tape.

HSK 7-9

他讨厌繁文缛节，喜欢直截了当地处理问题。

Tā tǎoyàn fánwén-rùjié, xǐhuan zhíjié-liǎodàng de chǔlǐ wèntí.

He dislikes unnecessary formalities and prefers to deal with issues straightforwardly.

HSK 7-9

古代宫廷礼仪充满了繁文缛节。

Gǔdài gōngtíng lǐyí chōngmǎn le fánwén-rùjié.

Ancient court etiquette was full of excessive and elaborate formalities.

Tips

memory

繁 (elaborate) + 文 (text/rites) + 缛 (ornate/fussy) + 节 (details/rules) - overly elaborate rules and formalities. Think of mountains of paperwork and pointless ceremonies.

Stroke Order

繁 fán

文 wén

缛 rù

节 jié