走过场

走過場

zǒu guòchǎng

phrase HSK 7-9 #31,977

Meanings

1 to go through the motions
2 to do something as a mere formality

Characters

to pass; through

Examples

HSK 4

会议不能走过场，要讨论实际问题。

Huìyì bùnéng zǒu guòchǎng, yào tǎolùn shíjì wèntí.

The meeting can't just be a formality; we need to discuss real issues.

HSK 5

这次检查只是走过场，没有认真对待。

Zhècì jiǎnchá zhǐshì zǒu guòchǎng, méiyǒu rènzhēn duìdài.

This inspection was just going through the motions; it wasn't taken seriously.

Tips

history

Originally a theater term: 过场 refers to actors briefly crossing the stage between scenes without performing. The metaphor extends to doing something superficially without substance.

Stroke Order

走 zǒu

过 guò

场 chǎng