heoi1 jau5 kei4 biu2虛有其表虚有其表
Jyutpingheoi1 jau5 kei4 biu2
Yalehēui yáuh kèih bíu
Definition
To look impressive but lack real substance; attractive on the outside but empty within.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to criticize something or someone that appears attractive or impressive on the surface but lacks quality or substance underneath. It is commonly applied to consumer goods, buildings, or even people's professional skills. The tone is critical and carries a sense of disappointment after an initial positive impression.
Examples
le1 gaan1 caan1 teng1 zong1 sau1 hou2 leng3 ho2 sik1 heoi1 jau5 kei4 biu2
呢間餐廳裝修好靚，可惜虛有其表。
This restaurant is beautifully decorated, but unfortunately it is all show and no substance.
nei5 maai5 ni1 go3 doi6 hai6 mai6 heoi1 jau5 kei4 biu2 gaa4
你買呢個袋係咪虛有其表㗎？
Is this bag you bought just all show and no substance?
Related words
Common phrases
jyun4 cyun4 heoi1 jau5 kei4 biu2
完全虛有其表
completely all show and no substance
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective, but it functions as a descriptive phrase that acts like a predicate. It cannot be used to modify a noun directly, so you cannot say a 虛有其表嘅人; instead, you must say 個人虛有其表.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
