leng3 leng3靚靚靓靓
Jyutpingleng3 leng3
Yaleleng leng
Definition
Pretty, beautiful, or handsome.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Reduplication of adjectives like this is a common way to add emphasis or a sense of cuteness in Cantonese. It often carries a slightly playful or affectionate tone that a simple 靚 lacks. You will frequently hear it used when talking about children, gifts, or personal style.
Examples
You look really pretty dressed up today.
Buy a pretty cake to give to her.
Related words
Common phrases
handsome and well-groomed
pretty and well-dressed
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe people in formal or professional settings, as the reduplication can sound overly informal or even childish. It is best reserved for casual conversation with friends or family.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
