laam6 jyu4 cung1 sou3濫竽充數滥竽充数
Jyutpinglaam6 jyu4 cung1 sou3
Yalelaahm yùh chūng sou
Definition
To masquerade as a professional or high-quality item just to make up the numbers.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Originating from an ancient Chinese idiom about a man who pretended to play the reed pipe in an orchestra, this term carries a strong sense of deception or lack of merit. It is frequently used in professional or academic settings to criticize someone who lacks the necessary skills for their position but remains in the group to avoid scrutiny. Unlike simply being lazy, this implies a deliberate attempt to blend in with competent peers.
Examples
He has no real ability at all, he is just there to make up the numbers.
Related words
Common phrases
someone who is just making up the numbers
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say someone is lazy, but it specifically highlights the act of faking competence or quality to meet a requirement. It is not used for someone who is just resting or taking a break.
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.
