ngaan5 si2眼屎
Jyutpingngaan5 si2
Yalengáahn sí
Definition
Rheum; discharge from the eyes.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to the dried or sticky secretion that accumulates in the corners of the eyes after sleep. It is a very common, everyday term that carries no medical nuance, though it is slightly informal due to the nature of the topic. It is perfectly acceptable to point out someone has it in a casual setting, though it is polite to do so discreetly.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
You have some sleep in the corner of your eye, wipe it off.
Remember to wash your face when you wake up, otherwise you will have a lot of eye gunk.
Common phrases
having a lot of sleep in one's eyes
to wipe away eye gunk
Common mistake
Avoid using this word in formal or professional settings, as it is considered a matter of personal hygiene that is best handled privately. Do not confuse it with general eye discharge caused by infection, which might require a more clinical term like 眼分泌物.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
