geoi6 sik1懼色惧色
Jyutpinggeoi6 sik1
Yalegeuih sīk
Definition
An expression or look of fear on a person's face.
writtenemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This term is formal and literary, often appearing in written descriptions or news reports rather than casual conversation. It functions almost exclusively within the phrase 面有懼色, which describes someone visibly showing their internal panic or anxiety. Using it in daily speech might sound overly dramatic or like a character from a period drama.
Examples
Facing a strong enemy, there is no look of fear on his face.
Seeing the look of fear on his face, we stopped immediately.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a look of fear on one's face
Common mistake
Learners often try to use it as a verb like 'to fear', but it is strictly a noun describing a facial expression. You cannot say '我懼色' to mean 'I am afraid'; instead, use 驚 or 恐懼.
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.
