siu3 zuk6 ngaan4 hoi1笑逐顏開笑逐颜开
Jyutpingsiu3 zuk6 ngaan4 hoi1
Yalesiu juhk ngàahn hōi
Definition
To beam with joy; to be so happy that one's face lights up.
writtenemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom that describes a visible, radiant expression of happiness. While it is perfectly understood in speech, it carries a slightly literary or descriptive tone that makes it stand out in casual conversation. It is often used to describe someone's reaction to good news or a pleasant surprise.
Examples
Seeing her grandson return, the grandmother immediately beamed with joy.
You received a surprise gift, why are you beaming with joy?
Related words
Common phrases
to say something with a beaming face
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common everyday verb, but it is an idiom that should be used sparingly to maintain its impact. It is not a substitute for simple verbs like 笑 or 開心 in routine contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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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.
