Definition
This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally means 'not attend to proper work.' It describes someone who neglects their main job or duty, usually spending time on frivolous or unproductive activities instead. You can use it as a predicate or attribute to criticize someone for being idle or unfocused.
f.e.
neglecting one's proper occupationnot doing what one is supposed to do (often with a tone of disapproval)
Examples
- 不务正业，。Tā zhěngtiān bù wù zhèng yè, zhǐ zhīdào wán yóuxì.He idles all day, only knowing how to play games.
- 不务正业，。Tā yīnwèi bù wù zhèng yè, bèi gōngsī kāichú le.Because he neglected his duties, he was fired by the company.
- 不务正业，。Tā bú bù wù zhèng yè, zhěngtiān yánjiū xiē méi yòng de dōngxi.He doesn't focus on his proper work, spending all day studying useless things.
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