秋波

Mandarin

simpl. and trad.
秋波

Etymology

秋 (autumn) + 波 (waves)

Originally used by poets such as Li Bai for its literal meaning. Later poets such as Su Shi used this phrase as a metaphor for the beauty of a woman's eyes. This is the colloquial usage that we see today.

Noun

秋波 (traditional and simplified, Pinyin qiūbō)

1. bright eyes of a beautiful woman

Usage notes

This phrase can also be used in the context of someone who figuratively bats their eyes (as a way to get something that they want).

Derived terms

• 秋波送情

References

• "秋波" (in Mandarin), Guoyu Cidian On-line Mandarin Dictionary (國語辭典). URL accessed on 2008-11-15.
• 2007, Hanyu Da Cidian 3.0 (in Mandarin), Hong Kong: Commercial Press, ISBN 9789620702778:
• 1985, Jingrong (ed.) Wu, The Pinyin CHINESE-ENGLISH DICTIONARY (in Mandarin/English), Beijing, Hong Kong: The Commercial Press, ISBN 0471867969:
• "秋波" (in Mandarin/English), Dr. eye. URL accessed on 2008-11-15.