跑龙套

• 拼音: pǎo lóng tào
• 汉字拆解: 跑 = 足 + 包 (run); 龙 = dragon (pictograph); 套 = 大 + 长 (layered robe, encase)

含义

Play a minor role; to take on a trivial, supporting, or background part in a production or organisation; to do menial or insignificant work.

Originally refers to extras in traditional Chinese opera who carry props and fill the stage. Now used broadly for anyone doing unglamorous background work, whether in film, theatre, business, or politics. Can be self-deprecating or gently critical.

例句

1. 他在这部电影里只是跑龙套，台词不超过三句。
2. 刚入职的新人往往要跑龙套，从基层工作做起。
3. 她不甘心一辈子跑龙套，决心争取主角的机会。

用法指南

语境: entertainment, work, self-deprecation, colloquial

语气: light

正确说法

• 他坦言自己在演艺圈跑龙套多年，才终于得到一个重要角色。(He openly admitted that he spent many years playing minor roles in the entertainment industry before finally landing a significant part.)
• 新员工先跑龙套积累经验，是很多大公司通行的培养模式。(Having new employees start in supporting roles to accumulate experience is a common development model in many large companies.)

错误说法

• 他跑龙套地完成了任务 — 跑龙套 is not used adverbially; use 默默无闻地 or 不起眼地 to describe working quietly in the background

起源与历史

跑 (run) + 龙套 (dragon-robe costume worn by stage extras in Chinese opera)

文化背景

时代: Traditional opera origin, modern usage

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal