泛泛 (fàn fàn) — in a general or superficial manner; without depth or specificity; casually; perfunctorily; not in an intimate or close way
Definition
A formal, written adverb meaning 'in a general, surface-level way' — used almost only in set phrases like 泛泛而谈 ('speak in generalities') and 泛泛之交 ('casual acquaintance'). Contrast with concrete, in-depth discussion.
adverb
in a general or superficial mannerwithout depth or specificitycasuallyperfunctorilynot in an intimate or close way
Examples
- ，。Tā zhǐ shì fàn fàn ér tán, méi yǒu shēn rù tǎo lùn wèn tí.He only spoke in general terms and didn't discuss the issue in depth.
- 泛泛，。Wǒ men zhǐ shì fàn fàn zhī jiāo, bú tài liǎo jiě duì fāng.We are only casual acquaintances and don't know each other well.
- 泛泛，。Qǐng bú yào fàn fàn pī píng, yào tí chū jù tǐ yì jiàn.Please don't criticize in a general way; give specific feedback.
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