REAL INTERNET CHINESE
teary eyes
something moved you close to real tears, eyes glossy, not full sobbing
- Who can you say it to?
- Friends and coworkers Normal among people your own age. Skip it with elders, clients and officials.
- Out loud, or only typed?
- Typed, not spoken People type this. Saying it out loud sounds like a joke.
- Is it still used?
- Settled in Past the fad stage, part of everyday speech.
When to say it
A comment-section softie move. Reunion videos, a dad braiding hair badly, an old song sung live again. You type two characters instead of admitting you cried. Warmer than 'moved', quieter than 'crying'. Mostly written; said aloud it sounds theatrical.
Hear it in the wild
Shí nián hòu chóngféng, lèimù le.
Reuniting after ten years, my eyes welled up.
Kàndào zhè yí mù zhíjiē lèimù.
This scene had me tearing up instantly.
Quick answers
What does 泪目 mean?
something moved you close to real tears, eyes glossy, not full sobbing
When do people say 泪目?
A comment-section softie move. Reunion videos, a dad braiding hair badly, an old song sung live again. You type two characters instead of admitting you cried. Warmer than 'moved', quieter than 'crying'. Mostly written; said aloud it sounds theatrical.
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