轻车简从

輕車簡從
qīngchē-jiǎncóng
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 (of an official) to travel with a small escort and little luggage
  2. 2 to travel plainly, without ostentation

Examples

HSK 4
Lǐngdǎo qīngchē-jiǎncóng láidào gōngchǎng, yuángōng men dōu hěn chījīng.
The leadership arrived at the factory with minimal fanfare, which surprised the employees.
HSK 7-9
Shìzhǎng zhècì xiàxiāng diàoyán, qīngchē-jiǎncóng.
The mayor traveled plainly with a small entourage on this rural inspection trip.
HSK 7-9
Tā yíxiàng xǐhuan qīngchē-jiǎncóng, bú yuàn jīngdòng dìfāng guānyuán.
He has always preferred to travel simply, not wanting to bother local officials.

Tips

history
From Liu E's late-Qing novel 《老残游记》 (The Travels of Lao Can), chapter 8: 轻车简从进发, 'set off toward Pingyin with a light carriage and few attendants.' The phrase specifically describes officials deliberately forgoing their usual retinue.
register
Highly formal, almost always applied to officials or leaders. Carries a positive connotation, suggesting humility and a focus on substance rather than ceremony. Rarely used of ordinary travelers.

Stroke Order

qīng
chē
jiǎn
cóng