hou3 hok6 m4 hok6好學唔學好学唔学

Jyutpinghou3 hok6 m4 hok6

Yalehou hohk m̀h hohk

Definition

To choose to learn or imitate bad behaviors when there are many good things to learn instead.

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How it's used

This expression is used exclusively to criticize someone for picking up negative behaviors or vices instead of positive ones. It carries a strong tone of disappointment or disapproval, often directed at younger people or peers. The structure implies that there were plenty of good things to emulate, but the person intentionally chose the worst option.

Examples

nei5你zou6做me1咩hou2好hok6學m4唔hok6學，hok6學jan4人gong2講cou1粗hau2口aa4呀？

Why do you have to pick up bad habits and start swearing like others?

keoi5佢hou2好hok6學m4唔hok6學，pin1偏pin1偏hok6學jan4人heoi3去dou2賭cin2錢。

Of all things to learn, he chose to pick up gambling.

Common phrases

hou2好hok6學m4唔hok6學，hok6學jan4人

to pick up bad habits like someone else

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe learning a skill or a hobby, as it is strictly reserved for negative habits or antisocial behavior. It is not a literal description of the act of learning, but rather a rhetorical reproach.