maak3 daai6 ngaan5擘大眼掰大眼
Jyutpingmaak3 daai6 ngaan5
Yalemaak daaih ngáahn
Definition
To open one's eyes wide.
colloquialbodydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical act of widening the eyes, often used metaphorically to describe someone being brazen or shameless. It frequently appears in the phrase 擘大眼講大話, which describes someone lying while looking directly at you without any sense of guilt. The verb 擘 is specifically used for stretching or opening something wide, such as 擘開個口 for opening one's mouth.
Examples
Open your eyes wide and look clearly before you speak.
He tells lies with his eyes wide open, it is truly outrageous.
Related words
Common phrases
to lie through one's teeth
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard verbs for opening eyes like 睜開, which is more formal or literary. 擘大眼 is strictly colloquial and carries a more intense, sometimes aggressive or accusatory tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
