fei1 si2非士
Jyutpingfei1 si2
Yalefēi sí
Definition
Face, as in dignity, reputation, or social standing.
colloquialbodyslang
How it's used
This is a direct phonetic loan from the English word face. It is primarily used in very specific, often humorous or exaggerated contexts rather than as a standard replacement for 面 or 面口. Using it in formal situations will sound unnatural or overly affected.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly assume this is a standard term for face in all contexts. Always prefer 面 or 面口 for everyday speech to avoid sounding like you are using outdated or forced slang.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
