saang2 geng3省鏡省镜
Jyutpingsaang2 geng3
Yalesáang geng
Definition
Beautiful; pretty; gorgeous (typically used to describe women).
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Originating from the idea of a mirror that reflects a clear and flattering image, this term is specifically reserved for praising someone's appearance. It carries a slightly playful and informal tone compared to standard descriptors like 靚. While it is most commonly used for women, it can occasionally be used to describe an object or outfit that is particularly eye-catching or stylish.
Examples
She is dressed up so beautifully today.
This dress of yours looks gorgeous, where did you buy it?
Related words
Common phrases
dressed up very beautifully
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin verb 省 (to save) or the place name 省 (province). In Cantonese, 省鏡 is strictly an adjective for appearance and has no connection to saving money or geography.
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.
