am2 jin4 sat1 sik1黯然失色
Jyutpingam2 jin4 sat1 sik1
Yaleám yìhn sāt sīk
Definition
To be overshadowed, eclipsed, or pale in comparison with something else.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Literary in origin, this idiom is frequently used in formal writing or when someone wants to sound particularly descriptive or dramatic in speech. It carries a sense of visual fading, as if the brightness of one subject literally drains the color or light from those around it. It is most effective when contrasting a standout performer or object against a group of peers.
Examples
In the shadow of her brilliance, everyone else is completely overshadowed.
This jewelry is so beautiful that other accessories immediately pale in comparison.
Related words
Common phrases
completely overshadowed
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
