hei2 ceot1 mong6 ngoi6喜出望外
Jyutpinghei2 ceot1 mong6 ngoi6
Yalehéi chēut mohng ngoih
Definition
To be overjoyed at something unexpected.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
Describes a specific reaction to a positive surprise that exceeds initial expectations. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite its frequent use in daily speech to emphasize the intensity of one's happiness. It is best reserved for significant events rather than minor daily occurrences.
Examples
I was truly overjoyed to receive this gift.
Related words
Common phrases
to make someone overjoyed
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple happiness or satisfaction, as it specifically requires an element of surprise or an outcome that was better than what was originally anticipated.
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.
