wong4 paau1 dam3 suk6黃泡髧熟黄泡髧熟
Jyutpingwong4 paau1 dam3 suk6
Yalewòhng pāau dam suhk
Definition
Pale, sallow, and puffy-looking skin, typically due to illness or poor health.
colloquialbodyhealth
How it's used
This descriptive phrase is used specifically to describe a sickly, unhealthy complexion that appears both yellowish and puffy or bloated. It carries a strong connotation of physical illness or exhaustion, often implying that the person has been suffering from a prolonged ailment or lack of sleep. It is rarely used to describe a healthy person, even if they have a naturally pale or yellowish skin tone.
Examples
After he got sick, his face looked sallow and swollen.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simple descriptions of skin color like 黃色, but this phrase specifically emphasizes the unhealthy, swollen, or puffy texture of the skin rather than just the color itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
