ham4 siu3含笑
Jyutpingham4 siu3
Yalehàhm siu
Definition
To have a smile on one's face; to smile.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Literary in tone, this expression is rarely used in casual, everyday speech. It implies a subtle, gentle, or reserved smile rather than a boisterous laugh. You will most frequently encounter it in written descriptions or formal storytelling.
Examples
He looked at me with a smile, seeming very happy.
Why are you smiling without saying anything?
Related words
Common phrases
nodding with a smile
to pass away peacefully with a smile
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a wide or loud laugh, as it specifically refers to a quiet, contained smile. It is not a standard verb for general smiling in daily conversation, where 笑 or 笑笑口 is much more natural.
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.
