mei4 zeng1 ngaan5 kei5眉精眼企

Jyutpingmei4 zeng1 ngaan5 kei5

Yalemèih jēng ngáahn kéih

Definition

Shrewd, smart, and quick-witted, sometimes with a connotation of being crafty or cunning.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes someone who possesses a quick wit and a sharp, observant appearance. It carries a nuance of being street smart or slightly mischievous, suggesting that the person is not easily taken advantage of. While it can be a compliment regarding intelligence, it often implies a level of craftiness or a 'sly' quality that keeps others on their toes.

Examples

keoi5佢sai3細sai3細go3個zau6就mei4眉zing1精ngaan5眼kei5企，hou2好naan4難aak3呃dou3到keoi5佢。

He has been sharp and shrewd since he was little; it is hard to trick him.

nei5你tai2睇keoi5佢go3個joeng2樣mei4眉zing1精ngaan5眼kei5企，jat1一ding6定nam2諗gan2緊gai2計zai2仔laa1啦。

Look at how sharp and cunning he looks, he must be plotting something.

Common phrases

mei4眉zing1精ngaan5眼kei5企ge3嘅joeng2樣

a sharp and cunning look

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is simply book-smart or academically intelligent. It specifically refers to social sharpness, alertness, and a lively, cunning facial expression.