Definition
混日子 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning to coast through life without purpose or effort. The verb 混 (hùn, 4th tone) splits from the object 日子 when you insert a duration or measure word — e.g., 混了几年日子 (muddled along for a few years). Note the tone: the correct pronunciation for this sense is hùn, not hún (which appears in 混水摸鱼). This is a colloquial expression with a mildly critical tone.
v.o.
to muddle alongto get through life aimlessly
Examples
- 混日子，。Tā zhěngtiān hún, shénme dōu bú zuò.He muddles along all day, not doing anything.
- 混日子。Nǐ bú néng zài zhèyàng hún xiàqù le.You can't keep muddling along like this.
- ，。Tā zài gōngsī hùn le jǐ nián rìzi, yìdiǎn jìnbù dōu méiyǒu.He muddled along at the company for a few years without any progress.
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