ngaan5 mei4 tiu4眼眉跳
Jyutpingngaan5 mei4 tiu4
Yalengánh mèih tìuh
Definition
Twitching of the eyelid, usually taken as an omen for disaster or as a sign of being in the thoughts of their loved ones
colloquialbodyother
How it's used
Superstition plays a major role in how this phrase is used in daily life. Many people still believe in the traditional saying that a twitching left eyelid brings good luck while a twitching right eyelid signals bad luck or impending trouble. It is often used to express a vague sense of unease or a gut feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Examples
ngo5 jau6 bin1 ngaan5 mei4 tiu4 hou2 ci5 jau5 di1 m4 to5
我右邊眼眉跳，好似有啲唔妥。
My right eyelid is twitching, it feels like something is wrong.
nei5 zou6 me1 seng4 jat6 ngaan5 mei4 tiu4 aa4
你做咩成日眼眉跳呀？
Why does your eyelid keep twitching?
Related words
Common phrases
zo2 ngaan5 tiu3 coi4
左眼跳財
left eye twitching means wealth
jau6 ngaan5 tiu3 zoi1
右眼跳災
right eye twitching means disaster
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the medical term for general muscle spasms. While it describes a physical sensation, it is almost exclusively used in the context of superstitious beliefs or as a casual observation of a minor annoyance.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
