hung4 maau1 ngaan5熊貓眼熊猫眼
Jyutpinghung4 maau1 ngaan5
Yalehùhng māau ngáahn
Definition
Dark under-eye circles due to sleep deprivation, or a black eye from an injury.
- dark circles under the eyes, especially from sleep deprivation
- a black eye; bruising around the eye from an injury
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to the dark, bruised-looking skin under the eyes caused by fatigue or lack of sleep. While it literally translates to panda eyes, it is used metaphorically in the same way English speakers use raccoon eyes. It is common to pair this with the measure word 對 when referring to the pair of eyes affected.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Your dark circles are so deep, did you pull an all-nighter again last night?
He stays up late all the time, which makes his dark circles very obvious.
Related words
Common phrases
a pair of dark circles
to stay up late until one gets dark circles
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a literal black eye caused by physical trauma, which is usually referred to as 瘀眼 or 烏青眼, though 熊貓眼 can sometimes be used jokingly for that as well.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
