min6 ceng1 ceng1麵青青面青青
Jyutpingmin6 ceng1 ceng1
Yalemihn chēng chēng
Definition
Pale; looking white-faced, particularly due to fear, illness, or shock.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This expression vividly describes the sickly, greenish pale complexion that appears when someone is terrified, nauseous, or suffering from a sudden illness. It is far more descriptive and emotive than simply saying someone looks unwell. The repetition of the character 青 emphasizes the intensity of the color change.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is naturally fair skinned, as it specifically refers to a temporary, unhealthy change in appearance caused by an external or internal shock.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
