faan2 caa1反差
Jyutpingfaan2 caa1
Yalefáan chā
Definition
Contrast; a sharp or prominent difference revealed through comparison.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Often used to describe a surprising gap between a person's outward appearance or public persona and their true personality. It implies a sense of irony or unexpectedness rather than just a simple difference. You will frequently hear it used when discussing characters in movies or celebrities who seem different behind the scenes.
Examples
He is usually very quiet, but he is so wild on stage; the contrast is huge.
Do you think the contrast in this character's personality is significant?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 對比, which is a more neutral or academic term for comparing two things side by side. 反差 specifically highlights a jarring or dramatic discrepancy that catches people off guard.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
