hoi2 si5 san6 lau4海市蜃樓海市蜃楼
Jyutpinghoi2 si5 san6 lau4
Yalehói síh sahn làuh
Definition
Mirage; an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions.
neutralnaturedescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meteorological phenomenon, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe dreams, promises, or plans that appear attractive but are fundamentally unattainable. It carries a sense of disillusionment, implying that the object of desire lacks any substance or reality. It is a common literary flourish in both formal writing and serious conversation.
Examples
This plan is basically a mirage; it is impossible to achieve.
Could the oasis seen in the desert just be a mirage?
Related words
Common phrases
a mirage (event)
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
