tai2 soeng3睇相
Jyutpingtai2 soeng3
Yaletái seung
Definition
To tell someone's fortune by reading their face.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the practice of physiognomy, where a practitioner analyzes facial features to predict a person's fate or character. It is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese folk belief and is often sought out during times of personal uncertainty or before major life changes. While it is a form of fortune telling, it is distinct from other methods like palmistry or birth chart analysis.
Examples
I heard that master is very accurate at face-reading.
Related words
Common phrases
fortune teller who reads faces
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply looking at a photograph, which is also expressed as 睇相 in a literal sense. Context is crucial to distinguish between the act of fortune telling and the act of viewing a picture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
