Definition
泛泛 is a reduplicated adverb meaning 'in a general or superficial way, without depth'. You often see it in set phrases like 泛泛而谈 (to speak generally) and 泛泛之交 (a superficial acquaintance). Unlike the verb 泛 (to float), it describes actions or relationships that lack specificity or closeness.
adverb
in a general or superficial mannerwithout depth or specificitycasuallyperfunctorilynot in an intimate or close way
Examples
- ，。Tā zhǐshì fán ér tán, méiyǒu shēnrù tǎolùn wèntí.He only spoke in general terms and didn't discuss the issue in depth.
- 泛泛，。Wǒmen zhǐshì fán zhī jiāo, bú tài liǎojiě duìfāng.We are only casual acquaintances and don't know each other well.
- 泛泛，。Qǐng bú yào fán pīpíng, yào tíchū jùtǐ yìjiàn.Please don't criticize in a general way; give specific feedback.
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