bou2 wu6 sik1保護色保护色

Jyutpingbou2 wu6 sik1

Yalebóu wuh sīk

名詞

Definition

Camouflage; protective coloration used by animals to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators.

neutralanimalsdescriptions

How it's used

Often used metaphorically in social contexts to describe someone who hides their true personality or intentions to blend into a group or avoid trouble. It carries a slightly cynical nuance when applied to people, implying a lack of authenticity or a defensive strategy.

Measure word

zung3種jung

Examples

bin3變sik1色lung4龍sik1識bin3變bou2保wu6護sik1色lai4嚟bei6避hoi1開dik6敵jan4人。

Chameleons know how to change their camouflage to avoid enemies.

le1呢zek3隻kwan1昆cung4蟲ge3嘅bou2保wu6護sik1色zan1真hai6係hou2好ging6勁aa4呀。

This insect's camouflage is really impressive.

Common phrases

tin1天saang1生bou2保wu6護sik1色

natural camouflage

faat3發fai1揮bou2保wu6護sik1色zok3作jung6用

to serve as camouflage

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the verb phrase 扮嘢, which refers to acting fake or pretentious; 保護色 specifically implies blending in to avoid notice, whereas 扮嘢 is about drawing attention through performative behavior.