ngaan5 zing1 saang1 hoeng2 tau4 deng2眼睛生響頭頂眼睛生响头顶
Jyutpingngaan5 zing1 saang1 hoeng2 tau4 deng2
Yalengáahn jīng sāang héung tàuh déng
Definition
A metaphor used to describe someone who is extremely arrogant, snobbish, or looks down on others.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom vividly paints a picture of someone looking down their nose at others because their eyes are positioned on the top of their head. It is used exclusively to criticize someone for being snobbish, elitist, or dismissive of those they perceive as inferior. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used to warn someone to adjust their attitude.
Examples
He is always so arrogant and looks down on everyone.
Don't be so arrogant, it's better to be humble.
Related words
Common phrases
an arrogant person
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is physically tall or looking upward, as it is strictly a metaphor for personality and social attitude. It is also not a standard idiom in formal written Chinese, so keep it for spoken, informal contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
