Meanings of 眼色
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Podcast: 眼色
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AI Study Notes for 眼色
暗示 (ànshì) — use 眼色 when referring specifically to non-verbal cues from the eyes, while 暗示 encompasses broader hints or suggestions that may not involve eye contact.
Learners often confuse 眼色 with direct gestures or spoken signals, but it specifically refers to non-verbal cues from the eyes. The term is more commonly used in informal contexts, so be cautious using it in very formal settings. Common collocations include '看眼色' (to read someone's eyes) and '给眼色' (to signal with one's eyes).
As an HSK 6 word, 眼色 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to communication and emotions. Students should focus on using it within complex sentences to express nuanced interactions, such as in discussions or storytelling where non-verbal cues play a significant role.
Learners often misuse 眼色 when they mean to describe general eye contact or eye movements. For example, saying '我看他的眼色' (I look at his eyes) is incorrect; instead, it should be about interpreting the signals: '我在看他的眼色' (I am reading his eye signals).
Pronunciation of 眼色
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Component Characters
How to say signal made with one's eyes in Chinese
“signal made with one's eyes” in Chinese is眼色
眼色 (yǎn sè) refers to the subtle signals or messages conveyed through one's eyes, often indicating emotions, intentions, or reactions without the use of words. It is commonly used in contexts where non-verbal communication is key, such as in social interactions or negotiations. Understanding 眼色 can enhance interpersonal communication by allowing individuals to read the feelings or thoughts of others.
When to use 眼色
Learners often confuse 眼色 with direct gestures or spoken signals, but it specifically refers to non-verbal cues from the eyes. The term is more commonly used in informal contexts, so be cautious using it in very formal settings. Common collocations include '看眼色' (to read someone's eyes) and '给眼色' (to signal with one's eyes).
眼色 or something close to it
暗示 (ànshì) — use 眼色 when referring specifically to non-verbal cues from the eyes, while 暗示 encompasses broader hints or suggestions that may not involve eye contact.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 眼色 when they mean to describe general eye contact or eye movements. For example, saying '我看他的眼色' (I look at his eyes) is incorrect; instead, it should be about interpreting the signals: '我在看他的眼色' (I am reading his eye signals).
Write 眼色
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Practice writing 眼色 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 眼色
眼色 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她使劲冲他使____，不出声地对他说了些什么。
She winked broadly at him and silently mouthed something.
Example Sentences for 眼色 (4)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 眼色
You can say '他看我的眼色，我就知道他想让我安静' (He looked at me with a glance, and I knew he wanted me to be quiet).
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