faan2 pok3 gwai1 zan1返璞歸真返璞归真

Jyutpingfaan2 pok3 gwai1 zan1

Yalefáan pok gwāi jān

動詞

Definition

To discard superficial flashiness and return to one's original, natural state.

writtendescriptionsother

How it's used

This idiom describes a shift towards simplicity and authenticity, often used to praise someone who has moved past vanity or complexity. It implies a conscious choice to strip away unnecessary ornamentation to reveal the true essence of a person or object. It is frequently used in contexts involving art, lifestyle, or design philosophy.

Examples

keoi5佢ji4而gaa1家sang1生wut6活faan2返pok3璞gwai1歸zan1真，m4唔zoi3再zeoi1追kau4求ming4名paai4牌。

He lives a simple, authentic life now and no longer chases luxury brands.

le1呢zung3種cit3設gai3計faan2返pok3璞gwai1歸zan1真，tai2睇lok6落hou2好syu1舒fuk6服。

This design returns to basics and looks very comfortable.

Common phrases

faan2返pok3璞gwai1歸zan1真ge3嘅ging2境gaai3界

the state of returning to simplicity

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like 'simple' or 'plain', but it carries a deeper nuance of a process or a journey of returning to one's roots. It is not used to describe something that was always simple, but rather something that has been refined back to its core.