不务正业 (bù wù zhèng yè) — neglecting one's proper occupation; not doing what one is supposed to do (often with a tone of disapproval)
Definition
A chengyu meaning someone neglects their real job or duty to chase other things, with a critical tone. The 不… pattern turns a positive duty (正业, 'proper work') into its opposite.
idiom
neglecting one's proper occupationnot doing what one is supposed to do (often with a tone of disapproval)
Examples
- 不务正业，。Tā zhěng tiān bù wù zhèng yè, zhī zhī dào wán yóu xì.He idles all day, only knowing how to play games.
- 不务正业，。Tā yīn wèi bù wù zhèng yè, bèi gōng sī kāi chú le.Because he neglected his duties, he was fired by the company.
- 不务正业，。Tā bú bù wù zhèng yè, zhěng tiān yán jiū xiē méi yòng de dōng xī.He doesn't focus on his proper work, spending all day studying useless things.
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