zou6 ceot1 hou2 hei3 tai2做齣好戲睇做出好戏睇
Jyutpingzou6 ceot1 hou2 hei3 tai2
Yalejouh chēut hóu hei tái
Definition
To put on a good show, often with a mischievous or mocking intent to let others watch the drama unfold.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This phrase is used to describe someone acting in a calculated or performative way to manipulate public perception or deceive others. It implies that the person's behavior is insincere and staged, rather than a genuine reflection of their true feelings or intentions. It is frequently used when someone is trying to gain sympathy or frame themselves as a victim in a social conflict.
Examples
They are putting on a show for you, don't believe them.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply performing a play or acting in a movie, which would use the verb 演. This phrase is strictly metaphorical and carries a negative connotation of dishonesty or manipulation.
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.
