mou5 lei4 gwong1 coi2冇嚟光彩
Jyutpingmou5 lei4 gwong1 coi2
Yalemóuh lèih gwōng chói
Definition
Looking pale, unhealthy, or lacking radiance in one's appearance.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
This expression specifically describes a lack of vitality or a dull, sickly complexion rather than just being tired. It is often used when someone looks pale, sallow, or generally unwell, suggesting a loss of the natural glow or healthy flush one expects to see. It carries a slightly concerned or observant tone, often used by friends or family to check on someone's well-being.
Examples
Why have you been looking so pale and unhealthy lately?
Related words
Common phrases
to look unhealthy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being ugly or unattractive. It strictly refers to a lack of health or vitality in one's appearance, so using it to describe someone's fashion sense or general looks would be incorrect and potentially offensive.
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.
