Chinese word

跑龙套

Pronunciation

Pinyinpǎo lóng tào

Meaning

  • verbbe an extra

Example

很多学生暑假去拍广告跑龙套赚点钱。hěn duō xué shēng shǔ jià qù pāi guǎng gào pǎo lóng tào zhuàn diǎn qián

Many students work as extras in commercials during summer vacation to earn some money.

Illustration for 跑龙套 (be an extra)

More examples

他在独立电影里跑龙套，借此锻炼演技。tā zài dú lì diàn yǐng lǐ pǎo lóng tào jiè cǐ duàn liàn yǎn jì

He works as an extra in an independent film to hone his acting skills.

Core concept

Working at the edge of the spotlight in a small part that helps the larger performance succeed.

Common phrases

  • 到片场跑龙套dào piàn chǎng pǎo lóng tào

    work as an extra on a film set

  • 在剧组跑龙套zài jù zǔ pǎo lóng tào

    play a minor role in a production

  • 在广告片里跑龙套zài guǎng gào piàn lǐ pǎo lóng tào

    work as an extra in an advertisement

Similar words

当群演dāng qún yǎn: Play a nameless background role as part of a crowd in a production.
客串kè chuàn: Appear as a special guest in a production for a short role.
演小角色yǎn xiáo jiǎo sè: Perform a small part in a brief section of a production.

Definition in Chinese

（口语）在演出中客串或担任小角色，也常比喻在团队或活动中做不起眼的辅助性工作。kóu yǔ zài yǎn chū zhōng kè chuàn huò dān rèn xiáo jiǎo sè yě cháng bǐ yù zài tuán duì huò huó dòng zhōng zuò bù qí yǎn de fǔ zhù xìng gōng zuò

Word origin

The expression combines 跑 (pǎo, "to run") with 龙套 (lóngtào, "dragon-costume ensemble role"), recalling opera performers who moved on stage in minor roles before the term broadened to other settings.

Usage tips

  • A team member can be described this way even when the task matters to completion, because the expression comments on prominence and decision-making power rather than actual value.

Other meanings

  • play a supporting roleverb
  • play a minor roleverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 龙套lóng tàobit-part actornoun

Word lists with this word