ji1 joeng6 waak6 wu4 lou4依樣畫葫蘆依样画葫芦

Jyutpingji1 joeng6 waak6 wu4 lou4

Yaleyī yeuhng waahk wùh lòuh

動詞

Definition

To copy or imitate mechanically without any innovation.

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How it's used

This idiom carries a slightly critical or dismissive tone, implying that the person is lazy or unimaginative. It is often used to describe someone following a set procedure or a previous example without considering whether it is still appropriate for the current situation. It highlights a lack of critical thinking rather than just simple imitation.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好ci3次ci3次dou1都ji1依joeng6樣waak6畫wu4葫lou4蘆laa1啦。

Don't just copy the same old thing every single time.

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢zi2只hai6係sik1識ji1依joeng6樣waak6畫wu4葫lou4蘆，mou5冇cong3創ji3意。

He only knows how to copy others at work and lacks creativity.

Common phrases

zi2只hai6係sik1識ji1依joeng6樣waak6畫wu4葫lou4蘆

only knows how to copy mechanically

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use this to describe simple copying, but it is specifically about following a process or pattern mechanically. It is not used for copying someone's homework or cheating, which would be better described as 抄襲.