Definition
照本宣科 is a four-character idiom literally meaning 'to read out the text according to the script'. It describes someone who mechanically follows a written source or standard procedure without adding original thought or adapting to the situation — like reading from a teleprompter without any real engagement. You can use it for a dull lecture, a stiff presentation, or any situation where someone is just going through the motions. It's often used critically to say the person lacks creativity or genuine understanding.
v.p.
to follow a script word for word without original inputto speak or act mechanically according to a text
Examples
- 照本宣科，。Tā jiǎngkè zǒngshì zhào běn xuān kē, méiyǒu yìdiǎn zìjǐ de jiànjiě.He always just reads his lectures from the textbook without adding any of his own insights.
- 照本宣科。zhào běn xuān kē de huìbào fāngshì ràng tīngzhòng juéde hěn wúliáo.The robotic, script-bound presentation style bored the audience.
- 照本宣科，。Zuò yánjiū bù néng zhào běn xuān kē, bìxū yǒu zìjǐ de sīkǎo.You can't do research by just following a script — you have to think for yourself.
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