faa1 zi1 ziu1 zin2花枝招展
Jyutpingfaa1 zi1 ziu1 zin2
Yalefā jī jīu jín
Definition
To dress up beautifully and colorfully; used figuratively to describe a woman looking gorgeously and gracefully adorned.
- figurative(of a woman) gorgeously and colorfully dressed up
- literary(of branches and leaves) swaying gracefully in the breeze
colloquialdescriptionsclothing
How it's used
Carries a slightly exaggerated or even critical tone when describing someone's appearance. It implies the person is trying a bit too hard to attract attention with bright colors or elaborate accessories. While it can be used neutrally to mean well-dressed, it often leans towards describing someone who is overdressed for the occasion.
Examples
She is dressed up so flashily today, is she going on a date?
The group of girls walked in looking all glammed up, very eye-catching.
Related words
Common phrases
dressed up in a flashy and colorful way
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple or elegant outfit, as it specifically highlights a flashy, attention-grabbing style. It is also exclusively used for people, not for objects or inanimate things.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
