sing1 sik1聲色声色
Jyutpingsing1 sik1
Yalesīng sīk
Definition
Expressions of voice and countenance, or sensory pleasures such as women and music.
- voice and facial expression
- literarysensory pleasures; entertainment, especially women and music
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Often used to describe a lifestyle of indulgence in sensual pleasures, particularly involving entertainment and nightlife. When used in the phrase 聲色俱厲, it shifts to describe someone who is putting on a fierce or intimidating front to hide their insecurity. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight despite being used in modern conversation.
Examples
He is addicted to debauchery, and it has made him look completely ruined.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple descriptions of someone's voice or appearance, as it almost always carries a negative connotation of either moral corruption or a fake, aggressive persona.
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.
