waa4 ji4 bat1 sat6華而不實华而不实

Jyutpingwaa4 ji4 bat1 sat6

Yalewàh yìh bāt saht

形容詞

Definition

Flashy but without substance; good-looking on the outside but of poor quality.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

This idiom is used to criticize things that prioritize appearance or packaging over actual functionality or durability. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in everyday speech to describe products, designs, or even people's hollow promises. It is often used to warn someone against being swayed by clever marketing or attractive aesthetics.

Examples

le1呢gin2件saam1衫waa4華ji4而bat1不sat6實，sai2洗jat1一ci3次zau6就laan6爛zo2咗。

This shirt is flashy but poor quality; it fell apart after one wash.

nei5你maai5買le1呢bou6部gei1機hai6係mai6咪waa4華ji4而bat1不sat6實㗎？

Is this machine you bought just all show and no substance?

Common phrases

caan2產ban2品waa4華ji4而bat1不sat6實

the product is flashy but useless

cit3設gai3計waa4華ji4而bat1不sat6實

the design is all show and no substance

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with just being ugly or cheap, but it specifically implies a deceptive contrast between a high-quality exterior and a low-quality interior.