faan1 caau1翻抄
Jyutpingfaan1 caau1
Yalefāan chāau
Definition
To reproduce, copy, or plagiarize previous work.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originally referring to the process of reheating food, this term has evolved to describe the act of repeating or recycling content, ideas, or work. It carries a slightly negative connotation of laziness or lack of originality, suggesting that the person is not putting in the effort to create something new. It is frequently used in professional or academic settings to criticize unoriginal output.
Examples
Is this report just a copy of last year's one?
He always recycles other people's ideas and lacks creativity.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 抄寫, which simply means to transcribe or copy text by hand. 翻抄 specifically implies reusing existing material in a way that is often seen as uninspired or redundant.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
