Definition
摆样子 is a colloquial separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to put on a show' or 'to do something just for appearance's sake,' often with a negative connotation of insincerity. You can split it by inserting a measure word, adjective, or object between 摆 and 样子, for example 摆了个样子 ('put on a show') or 摆什么样子 ('what kind of show are you putting on?'). It's used to criticize someone who cares more about looking good than actually doing real work.
v.o.
to put on a showto do something for appearance's sake
Examples
- 摆样子，。Tā xǐhuan bǎi yàng zi, qíshí méi shénme běnshi.He likes to put on a show, but actually has no real ability.
- ，。Tā bǎi le ge yàngzi jiù zǒu le, gēnběn méi bāng máng.He put on a show and left, didn't help at all.
- 摆样子，。Bié guāng bǎi yàng zi, yào zuò diǎn shíshì.Don't just put on a show; do something real.
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