ceon4 kwai1 dou6 geoi2循規蹈矩循规蹈矩

Jyutpingceon4 kwai1 dou6 geoi2

Yalechèuhn kwāi douh géui

語句

Definition

To follow rules and behave in a law-abiding, orderly manner.

neutralpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Often carries a slightly negative or critical nuance when used to describe someone who is overly rigid or lacks creativity. While it describes someone who follows rules, it implies a lack of initiative or a refusal to think outside the box. It is frequently used to contrast with someone who is more adventurous or spontaneous.

Examples

keoi5佢ping4平si4時hou2好ceon4循kwai1規dou6蹈geoi2矩，m4唔wui2會lyun6亂lai4嚟。

He is usually very law-abiding and won't mess around.

nei5你zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好gam3咁ceon4循kwai1規dou6蹈geoi2矩，si5試haa5下bin3變tung1通laa1啦。

Don't be so rigid in life, try to be more flexible.

Common phrases

zou6做jan4人ceon4循kwai1規dou6蹈geoi2矩

to live one's life by the book

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a positive compliment, but it can sound like you are calling someone boring or unimaginative depending on the tone. Use it carefully when describing someone's personality.