Definition
例行公事 is a set phrase (成语) meaning routine business that is done mechanically, often with the implication that it is a mere formality without real engagement. You can use it as a noun to refer to tasks or procedures that are carried out out of habit or obligation rather than genuine necessity. The tone can be neutral (describing a regular task) or mildly critical (suggesting something is done just for show).
n.
routine businesstask done as a mere formality
Examples
- 例行公事。Měitiān xiě gōngzuò bàogào duì tā lái shuō zhǐ shì lì háng.Writing a work report every day is just a routine formality for him.
- 例行公事，。Zhèxiē ānquán jiǎnchá yǐjīng biàn chéng le lì háng, méi rén rènzhēn zhíxíng.These safety inspections have become a mere routine; nobody carries them out seriously.
- ，例行公事，。Huìyì kāi de hěn cháng, dàn dà duō shì lì háng, méiyǒu shízhì nèiróng.The meeting was long, but most of it was routine business with no substantive content.
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