maau6 ci5貌似

Jyutpingmaau6 ci5

Yalemaauh chíh

動詞Common

Definition

To look like, seem like, or appear to be.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

Although this term is derived from written Chinese, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to express a tentative observation or a guess. It carries a slightly more detached or analytical tone compared to the more common 睇落似. It is particularly useful when you want to sound a bit more formal or objective while still maintaining a natural conversational flow.

Examples

keoi5佢maau6貌ci5似hou2好m4唔hoi1開sam1心，zou6做me1咩aa4呀？

He looks like he is very unhappy, what happened?

le1呢gaan1間pou3舖tau2頭maau6貌ci5似zap1執zo2咗lap1笠wo5喎。

This shop seems to have closed down.

Common phrases

maau6貌ci5似hou2好jan4人

seems like a good person

maau6貌ci5似zing3正soeng4常

seems normal

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this as a direct equivalent to the English word 'seem' in all contexts, but it specifically refers to visual appearance or external impressions. Avoid using it for abstract feelings or internal states that cannot be observed through outward signs.