bui3 sau2 jing2背手影
Jyutpingbui3 sau2 jing2
Yalebui sáu yíng
Definition
To do something with one's back to the light, causing a shadow or being in poor light.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
This expression specifically describes the physical act of obstructing a light source with one's body, causing a shadow to fall upon the area where one is trying to work or see. It is frequently used in casual settings when someone is inadvertently blocking a view or a workspace. The term highlights the frustration of having one's own shadow interfere with a task.
Examples
Move over a bit, you are blocking all the light.
I am writing with my back to the light, it is hard to see clearly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being in a dark place. This term specifically requires the presence of a light source behind the person that is being blocked, creating a shadow.
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.
