摆样子 (bǎi yàng zi) — to put on a show, to do something for appearance's sake

Definition

A separable verb meaning to put on a show — doing something only for appearance, not for real effect. Always split: 摆个样子 / 摆了样子.

verb
to put on a show, to do something for appearance's sake

Examples

  • 摆样子
    Tā xǐ huan bǎi yàng zi, qí shí méi shén me běn shì.
    He likes to put on a show, but actually has no real ability.
  • Tā bǎi le gè yàng zi jiù zǒu le, gēn běn 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 shí shì.
    Don't just put on a show; do something real.

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