Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • For form's sake; perfunctorily: Used to indicate that an action is done merely to fulfill an obligation or maintain appearances, not with genuine effort or intent.
   • Provisionally; as a makeshift: Used to describe something that is considered temporary, approximate, or just barely sufficient for the immediate need.

Usage Examples

• Adverbial phrase:
  • Anh ấy băng bó vết thương gọi là. (He dressed the wound for form's sake.)
  • Tôi làm gọi là cho xong việc. (I did it perfunctorily just to get it over with.)
  • Căn nhà gọi là đủ chỗ ở tạm. (The house is provisionally adequate for temporary living.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a tone of concession, reluctance, or mild dissatisfaction, implying the result is not ideal or complete.
  • Ăn gọi là mấy miếng, để khỏi làm mất lòng chủ. (I ate just a few bits for form's sake, so as not to offend the host.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tạm gọi là (adv. phrase): Can be considered as; so-called (often used with a similar provisional or concessional tone).
  • Đây tạm gọi là một giải pháp. (This can provisionally be considered a solution.)

Synonyms

• Perfunctorily: Carried out with minimal effort or interest.
• Pro forma: Done as a matter of form or routine.
• As a stopgap: Serving as a temporary substitute.

Related Idioms

• Làm cho có lệ: To do something just for the sake of custom or routine (similar in meaning to doing something ).
  • Anh ấy đến thăm làm cho có lệ. (He visited just for the sake of appearances.)

1. As a makeshift, provisionally
   • Băng bó gọi là
     To dress form's sake, provisionally the wounds
2. For form's sake, perfunctorily
   • Làm gọi là
     To do something perfunctorily
   • Ăn gọi là mấy miếng, để khỏi làm mất lòng chủ
     To eat a few bits for form's sake not to offend the host