maai6 min6 gwong1賣面光卖面光
Jyutpingmaai6 min6 gwong1
Yalemaaih mihn gwōng
Definition
To ingratiate oneself with others, or to do someone a favor to gain their goodwill.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the person is being insincere or manipulative to gain favor. It specifically targets the act of performing or putting on a show to look good in front of someone in a position of power. It is rarely used in a positive or neutral context.
Examples
He is always trying to ingratiate himself with the boss, it is so annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
deliberately suck up to someone
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being polite or professional. It specifically describes behavior that is perceived as sycophantic or fake.
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.
