neoi5 wai6 jyut6 gei2 ze2 jung4女為悅己者容女为悦己者容
Jyutpingneoi5 wai6 jyut6 gei2 ze2 jung4
Yalenéuih waih yuht géi jé yùhng
Definition
A woman beautifies herself for the one who pleases her or appreciates her.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This phrase is a classical idiom often used in modern conversation to explain why someone has suddenly started paying more attention to their appearance. It carries a slightly literary or poetic tone, so it is usually employed in a teasing or observational way rather than as a formal explanation. While it literally refers to women, it is frequently used humorously to describe anyone who puts extra effort into their grooming when they have a crush.
Examples
She is putting so much effort into her makeup, she really is dressing up for the one she likes.
Do you think she looks so pretty today because she's dressing up for someone she likes?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard verb phrase, but it is a fixed idiom that does not take grammatical particles like 咗 or 緊. It functions as a complete observation or reason for an action, not as a flexible verb.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
