dung1 si1 haau6 pan4東施效顰东施效颦

Jyutpingdung1 si1 haau6 pan4

Yaledūng sī haauh pàhn

語句

Definition

To blindly copy or imitate others without considering one's own conditions, leading to ludicrous or bad results.

writtenpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of mockery towards someone who lacks self-awareness regarding their own limitations. It is specifically used when an imitation results in something uglier or more ridiculous than the original. Unlike simple copying, it implies a failed attempt that highlights the imitator's own shortcomings.

Examples

keoi5佢jyun4完cyun4全m4唔sik1適hap6合ni1呢go3個zou6造jing4型，gaan2簡zik6直hai6係dung1東si1施haau6效pan4顰aa4呀。

That look doesn't suit her at all, it's just a classic case of trying too hard and failing.

nei5你gam3咁joeng2樣hok6學jan4人dei2哋zou6做saang1生ji3意，m4唔paa3怕zeoi3最hau6後bin3變zo2咗dung1東si1施haau6效pan4顰me1咩？

If you copy their business model like that, aren't you worried it will backfire?

Common phrases

gaan2簡zik6直hai6係dung1東si1施haau6效pan4顰

simply a case of failed imitation

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a neutral way to say someone is copying another person, but it is inherently critical and insulting. It should never be used to describe a sincere or successful attempt to learn from a mentor or role model.