Definition

1. Adverb (Thường dùng phụ sau động từ):
   • For form's sake, perfunctorily, as a mere formality: Describes an action done superficially, just to comply with a rule or custom, without real substance, care, or genuine intent. It implies doing the bare minimum to maintain appearances.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy chỉ làm việc chiếu lệ thôi. (He only works perfunctorily / for form's sake.)
  • Họ hỏi thăm vài câu chiếu lệ rồi đi ngay. (They asked a few questions as a mere formality and then left immediately.)
  • Lễ kỷ niệm được tổ chức một cách chiếu lệ. (The anniversary was organized in a perfunctory manner.)

Advanced Usage

• "làm chiếu lệ": to do something perfunctorily, to go through the motions.

  • Đừng làm chiếu lệ, hãy tập trung vào chất lượng. (Don't do it just for form's sake; focus on the quality.)

• "theo kiểu chiếu lệ": in a perfunctory way, as a token gesture.

  • Mọi thủ tục đều được thực hiện theo kiểu chiếu lệ. (All procedures were carried out in a perfunctory way.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hình thức (n): form, formality. Often contrasts with "chiếu lệ" (e.g., - it's just a formality).
• Qua loa (adv): cursorily, superficially. A close synonym emphasizing carelessness.
• Đối phó (v): to cope with, to deal with superficially. Implies doing something just to get it over with.

Synonyms

• Lấy lệ: for form's sake, as a token (very similar in meaning and usage).
• Qua quýt: hastily, cursorily.
• Minh họa: illustrative, symbolic (can imply a superficial representation).

Related Phrases

• Chiếu cố (v): to show consideration, to give patronage (often used ironically or politely). While "chiếu cố" can imply genuine care, it can sometimes be used in a context similar to "chiếu lệ" when the consideration is minimal.
  • Xin ông chiếu cố cho. (Please show some consideration for us.)

Related Idioms

• Có còn hơn không: Something is better than nothing. This idiom captures the minimalistic spirit of "chiếu lệ."
• Làm cho có: To do just to have it done. This phrase directly conveys the idea of an action performed without real purpose or effort, similar to "chiếu lệ."

1. For form's sake
   • làm chiếu lệ
     to work for form's sake
   • hỏi thăm vài câu chiếu lệ
     to enquire after (someone) for form's sake