hok6 jan4學人学人
Jyutpinghok6 jan4
Yalehohk yàhn
Definition
To imitate others or copy their behavior, often in an attempt to be like them.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of disapproval or mockery, implying that the person being imitated is doing something foolish or inappropriate. It is rarely used to describe positive learning or mentorship, which would instead use 學習 or 跟住學. Using this phrase often suggests that the subject is trying too hard to fit in or lacks their own original judgment.
Examples
Why are you copying others and buying these expensive things?
He is imitating others by using foul language and has really picked up bad habits.
Related words
Common phrases
to mimic someone's way of speaking
to try one's hand at business like others
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe genuine academic or skill-based learning. It is strictly for social behaviors, fashion, or habits that the speaker considers unnecessary or undesirable.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
