ngaan5 mei4 tiu4眼眉跳
Jyutpingngaan5 mei4 tiu4
Yalengáahn mèih tìuh
Definition
Eyelid twitching; a sudden spasm of the eyelid muscle.
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
My right eyelid is twitching, it feels like something is wrong.
Related words
Common phrases
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.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
