faan2 min6 gaau3 coi4反面教材
Jyutpingfaan2 min6 gaau3 coi4
Yalefáan mihn gaau chòih
Definition
A bad example or negative role model; something that serves as a warning of what not to do.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Labeling someone or something as a 反面教材 is a direct way to point out that their behavior should be avoided at all costs. It is often used in a slightly humorous or critical tone to highlight mistakes that others should learn from. Unlike simply calling someone bad, this term carries an instructional nuance, implying that the person's failure serves as a lesson for everyone else.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is always late, he is basically a bad example for us.
Related words
Common phrases
to serve as a bad example
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to describe a person who is simply evil or disliked, but it specifically refers to someone whose actions or failures provide a negative lesson to be avoided. It is not meant for people you just happen to disagree with.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
