tou4 zi1 mut3 fan2塗脂抹粉涂脂抹粉
Jyutpingtou4 zi1 mut3 fan2
Yaletòuh jī mut fán
Definition
To apply cosmetics or make up; to whitewash or gloss over ugly realities.
- to apply makeup, rouge, and powder; to doll up
- figurativeto gloss over, prettify, or whitewash ugly truths or mistakes
colloquialclothingdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone when used to describe actual makeup application. In modern daily speech, people usually prefer using 化妝. When used metaphorically, it implies an attempt to cover up flaws or make something ugly look presentable, similar to the English expression "sugarcoating" or "whitewashing."
Examples
She is always applying makeup and dressing up beautifully.
Do you need to put on makeup before you head out?
Related words
Common phrases
heavily made up
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a quick touch-up or casual makeup routine, as it implies a heavy or elaborate process. Using it to describe a friend's simple daily routine might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.
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.
