zaam2 ngaan5眨眼
Jyutpingzaam2 ngaan5
Yalejám ngánh
Definition
To blink; in the twinkling of an eye
colloquialbodytime
How it's used
Beyond the literal physical action, this term is frequently used in the phrase 眨吓眼 to describe how quickly time passes. It captures the feeling of a moment slipping away before one can fully process it. When used in this figurative sense, it often implies surprise at how fast events have unfolded.
Examples
nei5 deoi3 ngaan5 m4 syu1 fuk6 aa4 zou6 mat1 seng4 jat6 zaam2 ngaan5 gaa4
你對眼唔舒服呀？做乜成日眨眼㗎？
Are your eyes uncomfortable? Why do you keep blinking?
zaam2 jat1 haa5 ngaan5 jyun4 loi4 ji5 ging1 gwo3 zo2 sing4 go3 zung1 tau4 laa3
眨一下眼，原來已經過咗成個鐘頭喇。
In the blink of an eye, an hour has already passed.
Related words
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
