nim6 hau2 wong4唸口簧

Jyutpingnim6 hau2 wong4

Yalenihm háu wòhng

Definition

To read out or repeat a long text mechanically without understanding the meaning.

colloquialschoolcommunication

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of mechanical, mindless repetition, often implying that the speaker is just making sounds without any comprehension. It is frequently used to criticize students who memorize textbooks by rote or people who recite official statements without sincerity. The imagery evokes a sense of hollow, rhythmic noise that lacks genuine engagement with the content.

Examples

nei5你zing6淨hai6係hai2喺dou6度nim6唸hau2口wong2簧，gan1根bun2本mou5冇jap6入nou5腦。

You are just reciting words without thinking, nothing is going into your brain.

keoi5佢duk6讀syu1書hou2好ci5似nim6唸hau2口wong2簧gam3咁，jyun4完cyun4全m4唔zi1知gong2講mat1乜。

He reads like he is just reciting a script, he has no idea what it is about.

Common phrases

zing6淨hai6係nim6唸hau2口wong2簧

just reciting mindlessly

nim6唸hau2口wong2簧gam3咁duk6讀

reading like a parrot

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply reading aloud, which is 讀書 or 朗讀. This term is strictly pejorative and implies a lack of understanding or genuine interest in the material being spoken.