hei1 mei4熹微
Jyutpinghei1 mei4
Yalehēi mèih
Definition
The faint, dim light of early morning.
writtennaturetime
How it's used
This term is primarily restricted to literary or poetic contexts and is rarely used in casual daily conversation. It specifically describes the very first, faint glimmer of light before sunrise, carrying a sense of serenity or transition. Using it in a mundane setting might sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Examples
The sky was just beginning to brighten, and he had already left.
Can you see that faint morning light in the distance?
Related words
Common phrases
faint morning light
the sky is at the break of dawn
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a common adjective for brightness, but it is strictly reserved for the specific phenomenon of dawn light. You should avoid using it to describe artificial lights or general brightness in a room.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
