ngaan5 daai6 tai2 gwo3 lung4眼大睇過龍眼大睇过龙
Jyutpingngaan5 daai6 tai2 gwo3 lung4
Yalengáahn daaih tái gwo lùhng
Definition
To overlook something obvious that is right in front of you.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
This expression humorously suggests that your eyes are so large that they somehow miss the very thing they are looking at. It is almost exclusively used when someone fails to notice something that is clearly visible or right in front of them. It carries a slightly self-deprecating or teasing tone rather than being a harsh criticism.
Examples
You are being blind, the keys are right there on the table.
I searched for a long time and couldn't find it, turns out I just overlooked it.
Related words
Common phrases
really overlooked it
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who has poor eyesight or a medical vision problem. It is strictly for situations where the person is being unobservant or distracted.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
