jing4 tung4 heoi1 cit3形同虛設形同虚设
Jyutpingjing4 tung4 heoi1 cit3
Yaleyìhng tùhng hēui chit
Definition
Ineffective or useless; describing a person, policy, or measure that exists in name only and performs practically no function.
colloquialother
How it's used
Focuses on the gap between the existence of something and its actual utility. It is frequently applied to rules, laws, or security measures that fail to achieve their intended purpose. While it sounds slightly formal, it is commonly used in casual conversation to express frustration or cynicism about bureaucracy.
Examples
This security system is completely ineffective and cannot stop thieves at all.
If the rules are just for show, why would anyone follow them?
Related words
Common phrases
completely ineffective
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a person who is physically weak or lazy, as it specifically refers to the functional failure of inanimate objects, systems, or abstract concepts like policies.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
