jin3 ham4 fu2 sou1燕頷虎鬚燕颔虎须
Jyutpingjin3 ham4 fu2 sou1
Yaleyin hàhm fú sōu
Definition
To have the look of someone rich and important.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originating from descriptions of historical generals in literature, this idiom is used to describe a person with a bold, imposing, and masculine appearance. It specifically refers to a square jaw and a thick, prominent beard or mustache. While it implies a sense of authority or nobility, it is often used in a slightly dramatic or exaggerated way to describe someone who looks like they were born to lead.
Examples
He has a commanding look, he looks very dignified.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of an animal, but it is strictly a metaphorical description of human facial features. It is rarely used to describe women, as the imagery of a thick beard is central to the idiom.
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.
