ngaan5 be1 be1眼啤啤
Jyutpingngaan5 be1 be1
Yalengáahn bē bē
Definition
To stare at someone for a long time, or to glare sideways with a hostile or contemptuous look.
colloquialbodypeople
How it's used
This expression captures a specific kind of hostile or provocative gaze that implies the person is looking for trouble or judging someone negatively. It is almost always used to describe an aggressive or confrontational attitude rather than just a blank stare. The reduplication of the final character adds a sense of duration and intensity to the action.
Examples
Why is he staring at me like that?
Don't keep staring like that, it's very rude.
Related words
Common phrases
to stare in a hostile manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply looking at someone, as it carries a strong negative connotation of rudeness or aggression. Using it to describe a neutral or friendly look will sound very strange to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
