hou2 tai2 m4 hou2 sik6好睇唔好食
Jyutpinghou2 tai2 m4 hou2 sik6
Yalehóu tái m̀h hóu sihk
Definition
Good-looking but of no practical use or lacking substance.
colloquialdescriptionsfood
How it's used
Originally referring to food that looks appealing but lacks flavor, this phrase is now frequently applied to any object, person, or situation that is aesthetically pleasing but functionally useless or disappointing. It carries a strong sense of being misled by appearances. When used to describe people, it implies someone is attractive but lacks substance or intelligence.
Examples
The food at this restaurant looks good but tastes terrible.
Related words
Common phrases
really just for show
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe something that is simply ugly. It specifically requires the contrast between a positive visual impression and a negative reality.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
