joeng5仰
Jyutpingjoeng5
Yaleyéuhng
Definition
To face, look, or turn upward.
neutralbodydescriptions
How it's used
Primarily functions as a formal or literary morpheme rather than a standalone verb in daily speech. When describing the physical action of tilting the head back, speakers almost always use the compound 仰起 or the phrase 仰高頭. It carries a sense of looking towards something higher or showing respect, which is why it appears in formal vocabulary like 仰慕.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb like 睇, but it specifically describes the physical orientation of facing upwards. Using it alone in a sentence without a directional complement like 起 or 高 sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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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.
