# 漫不经心

màn bù jīng xīn

Act without paying proper attention

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Carelessly without taking it to heart

**Traditional Chinese:** 漫不經心

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Describe absent-minded or indifferent handling.

An outward manner may conceal genuine attention.

## Understanding the expression

The matter does not seem to enter the person’s mind with the seriousness it requires. A careless reply, overlooked instruction, or distracted gesture can show this attitude. The expression concerns insufficient attention rather than simply a relaxed appearance. Someone can work calmly and still be careful. Context should establish whether important details are actually being missed, especially before judging a person’s whole character from one casual movement or brief response.

## Examples

他漫不经心地签了字。

### Traditional Chinese

他漫不經心地簽了字。

tā màn bù jīng xīn dì qiān le zì 。

He signed without paying proper attention.

别漫不经心地看安全说明。

### Traditional Chinese

別漫不經心地看安全說明。

bié màn bù jīng xīn dì kàn ān quán shuō míng 。

Do not read the safety instructions carelessly.

她漫不经心地回答，没听清问题。

### Traditional Chinese

她漫不經心地回答，沒聽清問題。

tā màn bù jīng xīn dì huí dá ， méi tīng qīng wèn tí 。

She answered absent-mindedly without hearing the question clearly.

他看似漫不经心，却记住了所有细节。

### Traditional Chinese

他看似漫不經心，卻記住了所有細節。

tā kàn sì màn bù jīng xīn ， què jì zhù le suǒ yǒu xì jié 。

He seemed casual but remembered every detail.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%BC%AB%E4%B8%8D%E7%B6%93%E5%BF%83)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=776&webMd=1&la=0)

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