geng3 faa1 seoi2 jyut6鏡花水月镜花水月
Jyutpinggeng3 faa1 seoi2 jyut6
Yalegeng fā séui yuht
Definition
Illusory and unreal things; literally a flower in a mirror or the moon reflected in water.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This idiom carries a poetic and slightly melancholic tone, often used to describe things that appear beautiful or desirable but are ultimately unattainable or fleeting. It is frequently employed in contexts involving broken promises, unrealistic dreams, or the transient nature of worldly success. Unlike simpler terms for fake or unreal, this phrase emphasizes the visual deception of something that looks perfect but lacks substance.
Examples
The future plans he talked about are nothing but a pipe dream.
Fame and fortune are just illusions, don't be too attached to them.
Related words
Common phrases
a total illusion
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
