sau6 cung2 joek6 ging1受寵若驚受宠若惊
Jyutpingsau6 cung2 joek6 ging1
Yalesauh chúng yeuhk gīng
Definition
Flattered and overwhelmed; pleasantly surprised and taken aback by unexpected praise, hospitality, or favor.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of humility, implying that the praise or favor received is beyond what one deserves. It is often used when someone in a superior position or a stranger treats you with unexpected kindness. While it is a four character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences when you want to express genuine surprise at being honored.
Examples
My boss suddenly praised my work, I am truly flattered.
Related words
Common phrases
really feel flattered
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple happiness or excitement. It specifically requires an element of feeling overwhelmed or unworthy due to the unexpected nature of the favor or praise.
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.
