ning4獰狞
Jyutpingning4
Yalenìhng
Definition
Fierce-looking; hideous or grim.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Describes a facial expression or appearance that is intimidating, aggressive, or distorted in a scary way. It is often used to describe someone who is scowling or has a menacing look that makes others feel uneasy. Unlike formal descriptions of cruelty, this is used in casual speech to comment on someone's immediate physical appearance.
Examples
He looks very fierce and scared the kids.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 惡 which is a broader term for being mean or bad-tempered. 獰 specifically focuses on the visual, often distorted or wild look of a person's face.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
