siu3 dou3 gin3 ngaa4 m4 gin3 ngaan5笑到見牙唔見眼笑到见牙唔见眼
Jyutpingsiu3 dou3 gin3 ngaa4 m4 gin3 ngaan5
Yalesiu dou gin ngàh m̀h gin ngáahn
Definition
To smile or laugh with extreme joy, with eyes squinting and teeth showing.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of extreme joy or amusement where one's smile is so wide that the eyes appear to disappear. It is used to emphasize the intensity of a reaction rather than just a polite smile. It is common to hear it used when describing someone who is genuinely delighted by a surprise or a very funny situation.
Examples
His joke was so funny that I was beaming from ear to ear.
Related words
Common phrases
beaming with joy
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a sarcastic or forced smile, as it specifically implies genuine, uncontrollable happiness. It is also a descriptive phrase for a facial expression, so it cannot be used as a direct synonym for the adjective hilarious in all grammatical contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
