跑龙套 (pǎo lóng tào) — Play a minor extra role — originally a ...

To play a minor extra role — originally a theater term for bit-part actors. Now used for anyone who plays a marginal, unimportant role in any situation — meetings, group projects, social events.

Example Usage

在这个项目里我就是个跑龙套的，什么决定都轮不到我。

In this project I am just a bit player — no decision-making for me.

Cultural Context

跑龙套 describes the lowest tier of acting — nameless background extras. Stephen Chow frequently featured these characters as comedic heroes, giving dignity to the unnoticed. Online it is used with both resignation and affection for one's minor role in any group.

Category: daily-life