白眼
The English phrase "side eye" can be translated into Chinese as 白眼.
The term is used to express a non-verbal reaction of disdain, disapproval or annoyance toward someone.
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally means white eyes, which refers to the visible whites of the eyes seen when someone rolls their eyes upward or sideways to show contempt.
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, giving someone 白眼 is a non-verbal way to express disdain, disapproval or being annoyed by someone.
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'side eye' which can sometimes be flirtatious or playful, 白眼 is almost exclusively negative and rarely used in a lighthearted way.
- In certain traditional contexts, the expression 白眼 is more closely associated with 'ungratefulness' than just simple annoyance.
- If you are described as 'receiving 白眼' in a workplace context, it often implies a specific social exclusion rather than just a single person being annoyed at you.
Examples in context
- 他对我翻了个白眼。Tā duì wǒ fān le gè báiyǎn.He gave me a side eye.
- 别对我翻白眼。Bié duì wǒ fān báiyǎn.Don't give me that side eye.
- 我看到她翻了个白眼。Wǒ kàndào tā fān le gè báiyǎn.I saw her give a side eye.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a rude person at a party.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那个男生刚才对我翻白眼了。Nàge nánshēng gāngcái duì wǒ fān báiyǎn le.That guy just gave me a side eye.
- 浩然 Haoran他怎么可以这样？Tā zěnme kěyǐ zhèyàng?How could he do that?
- 佳怡 Jiayi他好像很不礼貌。Tā hǎoxiàng hěn bù lǐmào.He seems very impolite.
- 浩然 Haoran别理他，我们走吧。Bié lǐ tā, wǒmen zǒu ba.Ignore him, let's go.
