zuk6 tou3俗套
Jyutpingzuk6 tou3
Yalejuhk tou
Definition
Ordinary and courteous but insincere; conventional etiquette or platitudes.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the performative nature of social interaction where the speaker follows a script without genuine feeling. It often implies that the speaker is being polite only to fulfill a social obligation or to avoid awkwardness. It carries a slightly critical tone, suggesting the listener sees through the facade.
Examples
Everything he said was just empty pleasantries.
Don't give me those empty pleasantries, just be direct.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak empty pleasantries
full of empty pleasantries
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 俗氣, which refers to something being tacky or lacking in taste. While 俗套 relates to insincere social behavior, 俗氣 relates to aesthetic or stylistic choices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
