ziu3 daan1 zap1 joek6照單執藥照单执藥
Jyutpingziu3 daan1 zap1 joek6
Yalejiu dāan jāp yeuhk
Definition
To follow instructions or guidelines to the letter.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly mechanical or rigid nuance, implying that the person is executing tasks without necessarily needing to understand the underlying logic. It is often used in professional or instructional settings where precision is prioritized over creativity. While it literally refers to a pharmacist filling a prescription, it is widely applied to any situation requiring strict adherence to a plan or checklist.
Examples
The boss told me to follow the instructions exactly and not add anything myself.
Related words
Common phrases
to do exactly as instructed
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply obedient or submissive, as the phrase specifically emphasizes the act of following a set of written or explicit instructions rather than a person's character.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
