mou4 si1 zi6 tung1無師自通无师自通
Jyutpingmou4 si1 zi6 tung1
Yalemòuh sī jih tūng
Definition
To master a skill without a teacher; to be self-taught.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of admiration for someone's natural talent or exceptional ability to learn independently. It is often used to praise people who have picked up complex skills like coding, playing instruments, or cooking through observation and experimentation rather than formal training.
Examples
He is very good at fixing computers, he is practically self-taught.
How did you learn to make this cake? Are you self-taught?
Related words
Common phrases
simply self-taught
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who learned through online tutorials or books if you want to emphasize the source of their knowledge, as the term implies a lack of any external guidance or instruction.
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.
