ziu3 baan2 zyu2 wun2照版煮碗
Jyutpingziu3 baan2 zyu2 wun2
Yalejiu báan jyú wún
Definition
To imitate; to copy blindly or follow a pattern without any creativity.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Literally meaning to cook a bowl of rice according to a template, this idiom carries a slightly negative connotation of being unoriginal or robotic. It is used when someone blindly follows a precedent or copies another person's approach without adapting it to the current situation. It functions as a verb phrase and is commonly used to criticize a lack of flexibility or innovation.
Examples
Don't just copy the same old method every single time.
He always just copies what others do at work, lacking creativity.
Related words
Common phrases
always copying others
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal cooking instruction. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for imitation and should not be used in actual culinary contexts.
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.
