走过场

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"走过场" literally means "to walk through the motions" or "to go through the motions." It describes actions or procedures done only for appearance or formality without genuine effort or substance.

Common Contexts

This phrase is often used to criticize events, meetings, work, or tasks that are performed superficially, lacking real engagement or effectiveness.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

When using 走过场, speakers imply dissatisfaction with the lack of sincerity or thoroughness. It often carries a negative tone, suggesting that something is done perfunctorily.

Common Confusion

Don’t confuse 走过场 with 正式 (formal) or 认真 (serious). 走过场 implies a lack of seriousness, while the others indicate genuine formality or earnestness.

Example Sentences

This meeting was just a formality and did not really solve the problem.

He went through the motions at work, causing the project to progress slowly.

Don’t just go through the motions; only by preparing seriously for the exam