ngaan5 zaam2 zaam2眼䁪䁪
Jyutpingngaan5 zaam2 zaam2
Yalengáahn jáam jáam
Definition
Blinking eyes.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated form captures the repetitive, rhythmic nature of blinking. It is often used to describe someone who is blinking excessively, perhaps due to nervousness, discomfort, or trying to process something confusing. Unlike the simple verb 眨眼, this expression focuses on the visual state of the eyes rather than the act of blinking itself.
Examples
He keeps blinking at me, it's so weird.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 眼甘甘, which describes staring intently or wide-eyed. Using the wrong reduplication will completely change the meaning from blinking to staring.
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.
