Ma ma hu hu describes something as mediocre, careless, or not up to standard.
Word in 30 Seconds
- So-so quality or careless work.
- Indicates a lack of effort or detail.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Overview
“马马虎虎” 是一个非常口语化的词语，在日常交流中出现频率很高。它主要有两个意思：一是形容做事不认真、敷衍了事，缺乏细致和严谨；二是形容质量一般，不算好也不算坏，处于中间水平。这个词带有一定的贬义，但有时也可能表示一种宽容或无可奈何的态度。
“马打马虎” 通常用作形容词，可以修饰名词，也可以用在动词后面作补语。例如，“他的工作做得马马虎虎” 表示他的工作不认真。“这个菜的味道还可以，马马虎虎” 表示味道一般。在某些情况下，它也可以作为副词使用，表示“勉强地”、“凑合地”。例如，“今天就马马虎虎过去吧”。
在学习和工作场合，当评价某人的表现或成果时，常会用到“马马虎虎”。例如，老师评价学生的作业“马马虎虎”，意味着不够好，需要改进。在日常生活中，谈论食物、服务、天气等，也可以用“马马虎虎”来形容不太令人满意但也能接受的情况。例如，“这家餐厅的服务马马虎虎，不算好也不算差”。
与“马马虎虎”相似的词语有“凑合”、“勉强”、“草率”、“敷衍”。“凑合”和“勉强”都表示勉强接受或完成，但“马马虎虎”更侧重于做事不认真或质量一般。“草率”和“敷衍”则更强调做事不细致、不认真，带有更强的负面含义，有时比“马马虎虎”的贬义更重。而“一般”、“普通”则主要形容质量或水平，不一定包含做事不认真的意思。
Examples
他的工作态度很马马虎虎，经常出错。
everydayHis attitude towards work is careless, and he often makes mistakes.
这次考试成绩还可以，大部分同学都考得马马虎虎。
academicThe exam results this time are acceptable; most students did so-so.
饭菜的味道马马虎虎，不算特别好吃，但也饿不着。
informalThe food tastes mediocre; it's not particularly delicious, but it's enough to not be hungry.
他对这个项目的投入有些马马虎虎，不够专注。
workplaceHis involvement in this project was somewhat careless, lacking focus.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别马马虎虎的
Don't be careless.
差不多就行
So-so is fine. (Similar sentiment)
就这样吧
Let it be this way. (Can imply acceptance of mediocrity)
Often Confused With
'Yìbān' (一般) means 'average' or 'ordinary' and describes a neutral level. 'Mǎmǎhūhū' (马马虎虎) implies carelessness or subpar quality, often with a negative connotation.
'Suíbiàn' (随便) means 'casual', 'random', or 'as one pleases'. While it can overlap with carelessness, 'mǎmǎhūhū' specifically refers to the quality of the outcome or the lack of seriousness in the process.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This term is very common in spoken Chinese and is generally considered informal. While it can be used to describe quality, it often carries a sense of the person's attitude or effort being lacking. It's important to note the context to understand whether it's a mild criticism or a more significant complaint.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse 'ma ma hu hu' in situations where a more precise adjective is needed, or use it in formal settings where it sounds inappropriate. Mistaking it for a purely neutral term can also lead to misunderstandings.
Tips
Use in Casual Settings
Ma ma hu hu is best used in informal conversations when describing average quality or careless actions.
Avoid in Formal Praise
Do not use 'ma ma hu hu' when you intend to praise someone's excellent work or in very formal situations.
Understanding Nuance
While often negative, 'ma ma hu hu' can sometimes imply a level of acceptance or resignation in Chinese culture.
Word Origin
The origin is unclear, but it's thought to be an onomatopoeia or a playful reduplication. 'Mǎhu' (马虎) itself means careless. Repeating it emphasizes the degree of carelessness or mediocrity.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, striving for excellence is valued, but there's also an understanding of human limitations and the need for flexibility. 'Ma ma hu hu' reflects this balance, acknowledging that not everything can or needs to be perfect.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse (马) that is only half-awake (马虎), stumbling around carelessly. That's the feeling of 'ma ma hu hu'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“马马虎虎” 强调做事不认真或质量不高，有时带有敷衍的意味。“一般” 则更多地描述水平或质量处于中间状态，不特别好也不特别坏，不一定包含做事不认真的意思。
可以。形容一个人“马马虎虎”通常指这个人做事不认真、随随便便，不太注重细节。
“马马虎虎” 主要是贬义词，表示做得不好或不认真。但在某些语境下，也可能带有宽容的意味，表示“就这样吧，也能接受”。
在需要高度严谨、专业或表达赞扬的场合，应避免使用“马马虎虎”。例如，在评价重要的学术成果或表达对某人杰出表现的赞美时，使用“马马虎虎”会显得不恰当。
Test Yourself
他的中文说得还不错，虽然有时候会有点___。
这里用“马马虎虎”来形容中文说得“还不错”但“有时候会有点”不足的地方，表示不是特别完美，但也能接受。
“马马虎虎” 主要用来形容什么？
“马马虎虎” 的核心意思就是指某事做得不够好，或者质量一般，或者做事不够认真细致。
请用“马马虎虎”和“报告”造句。
这个句子清晰地表达了报告的质量不高，并且指出了需要改进，符合“马马虎虎”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Ma ma hu hu describes something as mediocre, careless, or not up to standard.
- So-so quality or careless work.
- Indicates a lack of effort or detail.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Use in Casual Settings
Ma ma hu hu is best used in informal conversations when describing average quality or careless actions.
Avoid in Formal Praise
Do not use 'ma ma hu hu' when you intend to praise someone's excellent work or in very formal situations.
Understanding Nuance
While often negative, 'ma ma hu hu' can sometimes imply a level of acceptance or resignation in Chinese culture.
Examples
4 of 4他的工作态度很马马虎虎，经常出错。
His attitude towards work is careless, and he often makes mistakes.
这次考试成绩还可以，大部分同学都考得马马虎虎。
The exam results this time are acceptable; most students did so-so.
饭菜的味道马马虎虎，不算特别好吃，但也饿不着。
The food tastes mediocre; it's not particularly delicious, but it's enough to not be hungry.
他对这个项目的投入有些马马虎虎，不够专注。
His involvement in this project was somewhat careless, lacking focus.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
