gu3 taai3 fuk6 mang4故態復萌故态复萌

Jyutpinggu3 taai3 fuk6 mang4

Yalegu taai fuhk màhng

動詞

Definition

To revert to one's old bad habits; for old faults to resurface.

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How it's used

Carries a strong sense of disappointment or disapproval, as it implies a failed attempt at self-improvement. It is often used to describe someone who promised to change their behavior but ultimately failed to sustain it. Because it is a formal four-character idiom, using it in casual conversation adds a layer of emphasis or moral judgment.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好faai3快jau6又gu3故taai3態fuk6復mang4萌，zan1真hai6係gik1激sei2死jan4人。

He quickly returned to his old ways, it's so frustrating.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪jau6又soeng2想gu3故taai3態fuk6復mang4萌aa4呀？

Are you thinking of falling back into your old bad habits again?

Common phrases

cit3徹dai2底gu3故taai3態fuk6復mang4萌

to completely relapse into old habits

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general way to say 'to repeat something', but it is specifically reserved for negative behaviors or bad habits. Do not use it for neutral actions like repeating a task or visiting a place again.