heoi1 cit3虛設虚设

Jyutpingheoi1 cit3

Yalehēui chit

動詞

Definition

To exist in name only, having no actual function or usefulness.

neutralworkdescriptions

How it's used

Often used to describe institutions, rules, or positions that have lost their original power or function. It carries a critical tone, implying that while something exists on paper, it is effectively useless or ignored in practice. It is frequently paired with the idiom 形同虛設 to emphasize that something is present in form but absent in substance.

Examples

ni1呢go3個bou6部mun4門gan1根bun2本hai6係heoi1虛cit3設。

This department is basically just for show.

keoi5佢go3個zik1職wai6位hai6係mai6咪heoi1虛cit3設㗎？

Is his position just a nominal one?

Common phrases

jing4形tung4同heoi1虛cit3設

to exist in name only

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe physical objects that are broken or missing parts, as it specifically refers to the lack of functional authority or purpose rather than physical utility.