平庸 píngyōng mediocre
mediocre; indifferent; commonplace
How to remember 平庸: 平 level + 庸 usual = mediocre.
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How it is used
- Mediocre in a mildly critical way - lacking distinction - 甘于平庸 (gānyú píngyōng) to settle for mediocrity.
- Stronger and more judgmental than 普通 (pǔtōng, ordinary/normal, neutral); 平庸 implies you could/should be better.
- Common of people, work, or talent: 平庸之辈 (píngyōng zhī bèi) a run-of-the-mill sort of person.