sik6 gu2 bat1 faa3食古不化
Jyutpingsik6 gu2 bat1 faa3
Yalesihk gú bāt fa
Definition
Stubborn and conservative; unable to adapt to change or accept new things.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of disapproval, specifically targeting someone who clings to outdated methods or ideas despite clear evidence that they no longer work. It is often used to describe older generations who refuse to adapt to modern technology or changing social norms. Unlike simply being stubborn, this term implies a failure to process or digest new information.
Examples
Don't be so stubborn and stuck in your ways.
He is so conservative, how could he possibly be willing to change?
Related words
Common phrases
having an outdated and rigid mindset
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being stubborn, but it specifically refers to an intellectual or ideological rigidity rather than just a refusal to do what someone else says.
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.
