cin2 siu3淺笑浅笑
Jyutpingcin2 siu3
Yalechín siu
Definition
To smile gently or give a faint, warm smile.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This term is primarily used in written or literary contexts to describe a subtle, elegant, or reserved smile. While it can appear in speech, it often carries a slightly poetic or romantic nuance that distinguishes it from the more common 笑 or 微笑. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation to describe a simple laugh or grin.
Examples
She looked at me and smiled gently, as if she had something to say.
Why are you smiling gently at your phone?
Related words
Common phrases
to look back and smile gently
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe loud or boisterous laughter, as it specifically denotes a quiet and restrained expression. It is not a direct substitute for general smiling in informal situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
