goi2 tau4 wun6 min6改頭換面改头换面
Jyutpinggoi2 tau4 wun6 min6
Yalegói tàuh wuhn mihn
Definition
To change the appearance or form of something while keeping its essence the same.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Often used to describe situations where something is repackaged to look new or different, but the core substance remains unchanged. It carries a slightly cynical or critical tone, implying that the effort is merely cosmetic and lacks genuine innovation. It is frequently applied to business strategies, design updates, or people trying to hide their past by changing their image.
Examples
The shop had a makeover, but the things they sell are actually just as old.
Do you think the boss won't know just because you superficially rewrote the proposal?
Related words
Common phrases
a complete superficial makeover
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistake this for a positive term meaning a complete transformation or turning over a new leaf. While it can occasionally be used neutrally, it usually implies that the underlying issues or contents have not been addressed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
