zau3 mei4皺眉皱眉
Jyutpingzau3 mei4
Yalejau mèih
Definition
To frown, scowl, or furrow one's brow, typically when annoyed, sad, worried, or angry.
colloquialbodyemotion
How it's used
Focus on the physical action of pulling the eyebrows together, which is often used to signal internal discomfort or disapproval rather than just physical pain. It is common to add the aspect marker 晒 to emphasize the intensity of the expression, as in 皺晒眉.
Examples
Seeing him scowling, something unhappy must have happened.
Why are you frowning? Do you find what I said hard to listen to?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple look of confusion, as it specifically implies a negative emotion like annoyance, worry, or physical distress.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
