sai1 si1西施
Jyutpingsai1 si1
Yalesāi sī
Definition
Xishi, a legendary beauty of the Spring and Autumn Period, used metaphorically to refer to any stunning beauty.
- Xishi, a famous beauty of the State of Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period
- figurativea metaphor for an exceptionally beautiful woman
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Beyond the historical figure, this term functions as a cultural shorthand for any woman of exceptional beauty. It is frequently invoked in the idiom 情人眼裏出西施 to explain how affection can make someone perceive their partner as flawless. Using it to describe someone is a high compliment that carries a classical, almost poetic weight.
Examples
She looks as beautiful as Xishi after putting on makeup.
Related words
Common phrases
beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a modern person in a professional or casual setting unless you are being intentionally flowery or hyperbolic. It sounds archaic and slightly dramatic compared to simply saying 靚女.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
