joek6 jan2 joek6 jin6若隱若現若隐若现
Jyutpingjoek6 jan2 joek6 jin6
Yaleyeuhk yán yeuhk yihn
Definition
To appear indistinctly; to be partly hidden and partly visible, appearing and disappearing from view.
writtendescriptionsnature
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to describe visual phenomena like lights, shadows, or landscapes obscured by fog or mist. It carries a slightly poetic or literary tone, making it perfect for descriptive writing rather than casual, everyday conversation about mundane objects. It implies a sense of mystery or instability in the object's presence.
Examples
The distant lights are flickering in and out, as if they are about to go out.
Can you see that shadow that keeps appearing and disappearing?
Related words
Common phrases
flickering lights
a faint, elusive figure
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe something that is simply 'blurry' or 'out of focus', but the phrase specifically requires the sense of intermittent appearance or partial concealment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
