diu1 ngaan5 gok3丟眼角丢眼角
Jyutpingdiu1 ngaan5 gok3
Yaledīu ngáahn gok
Definition
To wink as a way of giving someone a hint or signal.
colloquialcommunicationpeople
How it's used
This expression specifically refers to the act of using one's eyes to signal someone else, often to convey a secret message or a hint without speaking. It carries a sense of being sneaky or conspiratorial, as it is usually done to avoid being noticed by others in the room. It is distinct from a friendly, playful wink, which is more commonly referred to as 眨眼.
Examples
He keeps winking at me, I wonder what he wants.
Related words
Common phrases
winking repeatedly
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 眨眼, which is a neutral or playful blink or wink. 丟眼角 implies a deliberate, often secretive, communicative intent rather than just a physical action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
