zong1 mou4 zok3 joeng6裝模作樣装模作样

Jyutpingzong1 mou4 zok3 joeng6

Yalejōng mòuh jok yeuhng

語句

Definition

To behave in an affected way; to put on an act or pretend.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Carries a strong negative connotation of insincerity or pretentiousness. It is typically used to criticize someone who is deliberately performing a persona to gain attention or hide their true intentions. Unlike simply acting, this implies the behavior is annoying or transparently fake to observers.

Examples

keoi5佢hai2喺dou6度zong1裝mou4模zok3作joeng6樣，tai2睇dou3到dou1都gok3覺dak1得gaam3尷gaai3尬。

He is putting on an act, it is so awkward to watch.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再zong1裝mou4模zok3作joeng6樣laa3喇，zou6做faan1返zi6自gei2己laa1啦。

Stop putting on an act, just be yourself.

Common phrases

zong1裝mou4模zok3作joeng6樣gam3咁joeng2樣

in an affected manner

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general acting or performing, but it specifically implies a negative, fake, or annoying affectation. Do not use it to describe a professional actor performing a role.