baan6 gwai2 baan6 maa5扮鬼扮馬扮鬼扮马
Jyutpingbaan6 gwai2 baan6 maa5
Yalebaahn gwái baahn máh
Definition
To masquerade, dress up, or play a role to trick or deceive others.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This expression functions as a versatile idiom that shifts between two distinct meanings depending on context. It can describe someone being insincere or manipulative by putting on a false persona, or it can simply refer to the harmless act of wearing a costume or dressing up for a party or performance. The imagery of a ghost and a horse emphasizes the absurdity or the elaborate nature of the disguise.
Examples
He is always putting on an act, I don't know which part is true or fake.
On Halloween night, many people dress up in costumes to have fun.
Related words
Common phrases
to put on an act to deceive others
Common mistake
Do not assume this always implies malicious intent. While it is frequently used to describe someone being deceptive or fake, it is equally common to use it when talking about children dressing up or people wearing costumes for festive events.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
