gam1 zing1 fo2 ngaan5金睛火眼
Jyutpinggam1 zing1 fo2 ngaan5
Yalegām jīng fó ngáahn
Definition
Keen eyes able to discern real from fake; also used to describe being highly alert or staying up to finish a task.
- keen eyes with the ability to tell true from false; sharp eyesight
- figurativeto be highly alert, vigilant, or to stay up late to finish a task
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originating from the Monkey King in Journey to the West, this idiom is used to praise someone for their exceptional ability to spot details that others miss. It is frequently employed in professional or high-stakes contexts where accuracy is paramount, such as auditing accounts or identifying counterfeit goods. Beyond literal vision, it implies a high level of mental alertness and critical thinking.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Use your keen eyes to help me check if there are any mistakes in this document.
keoi5佢deoi3對gam1金zing1睛fo2火ngaan5眼zan1真hai6係sai1犀lei6利，jat1一ngaan5眼zau6就tai2睇cyun1穿zo2咗go3個pin3騙guk6局。
His sharp eyes are truly impressive; he saw through the scam at a glance.
Related words
Common phrases
to develop keen discernment
relying on one's sharp eyes
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who simply has good eyesight for reading or seeing far away. It specifically refers to the ability to discern truth from falsehood or to detect hidden flaws, rather than physical visual acuity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
