敷衍 fūyǎn to elaborate (on a theme)
to elaborate (on a theme); to expound (the classics); perfunctory; to skimp; to botch; to do something half-heartedly or just for show; barely enough to get by
How to remember 敷衍: 敷 to apply + 衍 to overflow = to elaborate (on a theme).
Characters
How it is used
- To go through the motions / fob someone off - do something half-heartedly just for show: 敷衍了事 (fūyǎn liǎoshì) get it done perfunctorily, 敷衍我 (fūyǎn wǒ) brush me off.
- Strongly negative: you're not putting in real effort or sincerity. Very common everyday complaint about lazy, insincere responses.