还得跟人争 勾心斗角的
“where you have to scheme against each other.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
质朴 简单 不像外面
“People around here are simple and down-to-earth. Unlike the outside,”
还得 跟人争 勾心斗角 的
“where you have to scheme against each other.”
你看我 我也是
“Look, I'm not”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
Contrast between stressful, hypocritical city life ('勾心斗角') and the perceived pure tranquility ('质朴简单') of remote areas is a classic motif in contemporary Chinese culture.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
scheming against each other; office/social politics; machinations
A common idiom describing treacherous interpersonal rivalry and sneaky competition.
to compete or struggle with others
Describes competitive social friction or vying for limited career and social resources.
Placed at the end of the clause to nominalize the description and evoke an enduring, exhausting impression.
