Definition
泛泛而谈 is a four-character set phrase meaning 'to talk in generalities' — to speak without going into specifics or depth. It is often used to criticize someone's speech as superficial or lacking substance. The literal components are 泛泛 'generally, vaguely' + 而 'and, thus' + 谈 'to talk', but the phrase as a whole is idiomatic.
f.e.
to talk in generalitiesto speak superficially without details
Examples
- 泛泛而谈，。Tā zhǐ zài huìyì shàng fán, méiyǒu tíchū rènhé jùtǐ fāng'àn.He only spoke in generalities at the meeting and didn't propose any concrete plans.
- 泛泛而谈。fán jiějué bù liǎo shíjì wèntí.Talking in generalities won't solve practical problems.
- ，泛泛而谈。Bàogào xiě de tài kōngfàn, wánquán shì fán.The report was too vague — it was nothing but generalizations.
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