pei4 siu3 juk6 bat1 siu3皮笑肉不笑
Jyutpingpei4 siu3 juk6 bat1 siu3
Yalepèih siu yuhk bāt siu
Definition
An insincere, forced, or fake smile.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes a facial expression where someone is clearly faking friendliness to maintain social decorum. It is often used to criticize someone who is being hypocritical or hiding their true annoyance behind a mask of politeness. It carries a strong negative connotation of insincerity.
Examples
He gave the client an insincere smile, it was really awkward.
Related words
Common phrases
to smile in an insincere way
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a genuine smile or a polite gesture, but it is strictly used to point out that the person is being fake or forced. Do not use it to describe someone who is simply shy or awkward.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
