食古不化

shí gǔ bù huà

Rare

Save to list

Definitions

1. to swallow ancient learning without digesting it (idiom)
2. to be pedantic without having a mastery of one's subject

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Child Words of 食古不化

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 化 化 huà: to make into
• 古 古 gǔ: ancient
• 食 食 shí: to eat
• 食 食 sì: to feed (a person or animal)