ngaan5 mau4眼眸
Jyutpingngaan5 mau4
Yalengáahn màuh
Definition
Eye, typically used in literary or poetic contexts.
writtenbodydescriptions
How it's used
Literary flair is the primary reason to choose this over the standard 眼. It evokes a sense of poetic beauty or deep emotion, often appearing in song lyrics or romantic prose rather than casual conversation. Using it in a mundane context can sound overly dramatic or affected.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
Her eyes seem like they can speak.
Related words
Common phrases
deep, soulful eyes
bright, sparkling eyes
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday speech when referring to basic eye health or physical exams, as it sounds out of place. Stick to 眼 or 眼睛 for clinical or neutral situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
