adjective HSK 5
old-fashioned · clichéd · hackneyed · stereotypical
Meaning
老套 describes something that is overly familiar, predictable, or outdated in a negative way. It suggests that something follows worn-out patterns or lacks originality, often used to criticize storylines, methods, ideas, or approaches that feel stale or unimaginative.
Usage
Commonly used in informal contexts to express disappointment or criticism about plots in movies, TV shows, books, or someone's predictable behavior. Often appears in phrases like 很老套 (very clichéd) or 太老套了 (too hackneyed). The tone is mildly negative but not harshly offensive.
Examples
- 01这部电影的情节太老套了，一看就知道结局。, .The plot of this movie is too clichéd; you can tell the ending right away.
- 02他的求婚方式虽然有点老套，但很浪漫。, .His marriage proposal was a bit old-fashioned, but it was very romantic.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很老套very clichéd
- 老套的剧情clichéd plot
- 太老套了too hackneyed
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 老 (old) with 套 (pattern/routine) to literally mean 'old pattern' or 'old routine,' conveying the sense of something being a tired, overused formula.