hing1 miu4 daam6 se2輕描淡寫轻描淡写
Jyutpinghing1 miu4 daam6 se2
Yalehīng mìuh daahm sé
Definition
To touch on lightly; to downplay or mention something casually to minimize its importance.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
Often implies a deliberate attempt to minimize the gravity of a situation or to avoid taking responsibility. It carries a slightly critical tone when used to describe someone who is being evasive or downplaying their own faults. You will frequently hear it used with the particle 咁 to describe the manner in which something is said.
Examples
He just mentioned the matter casually and left it at that.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak about something in a downplayed manner
to gloss over something
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply speaking quietly or softly. It specifically refers to the content of the message being downplayed or treated as trivial, rather than the volume of the voice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
