po3 tai3 wai4 siu3破涕為笑破涕为笑
Jyutpingpo3 tai3 wai4 siu3
Yalepo tai wàih siu
Definition
To stop crying and start laughing; to turn from sadness to joy.
neutralemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes the specific transition from a state of distress or sobbing to sudden joy or relief. It is often used to describe children or situations where a misunderstanding is cleared up quickly. While it is a four-character idiom, it remains widely understood and used in casual speech when narrating a change in mood.
Examples
Seeing the doll, she immediately turned her tears into a smile.
Why did you suddenly stop crying and start laughing?
Related words
Common phrases
finally turned tears into smiles
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply happy; it specifically requires the preceding state of crying or being upset. Using it for a person who was merely serious or neutral would be incorrect.
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.
