sing1 sik1 keoi1 lai6聲色俱厲声色俱厉
Jyutpingsing1 sik1 keoi1 lai6
Yalesīng sīk kēui laih
Definition
To be fierce and severe in both voice and facial expression.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a specific combination of visual intimidation and verbal aggression. It is often used to characterize someone who is putting on a show of authority or anger to suppress others. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in casual conversation to describe someone's overbearing attitude during a confrontation.
Examples
He came in and started scolding people with a fierce look and harsh voice.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective describing someone who is naturally mean. It specifically refers to the act of projecting intensity through both facial expression and vocal tone, rather than just being a grumpy person.
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.
