凑数 (còu shǔ) — to make up a number or amount (often with a filler or substandard item); to serve as a stopgap or placeholder
Definition
A colloquial verb meaning to fill a quota or stand in as a placeholder — usually implies the item or person is subpar, just there to reach the required number. Often used with a self-deprecating tone ("just here to make up the numbers").
verb
to make up a number or amount (often with a filler or substandard item)to serve as a stopgap or placeholder
Examples
- 凑数，。Zhè xiē jiù shè bèi zhǐ shì yòng lái còu shǔ de, zhì liàng bú tài hǎo.These old pieces of equipment are just used to make up the numbers; the quality isn't very good.
- ，。Wǒ men rén shù bú gòu, xiān zhǎo liǎng gè rén còu gè shù ba.We don't have enough people; let's find two people to make up the numbers for now.
- 。Tā jué de zì jǐ zài zhè ge tuán duì lǐ zhǐ shì còu shù de.He feels he's just a filler in this team.
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