baat3 gwaa3 mui1八卦妹
Jyutpingbaat3 gwaa3 mui1
Yalebat gwa mūi
Definition
A young girl who is a busybody or a gossiper
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This term carries a slightly derogatory or teasing tone, implying that the person is intrusive and lacks boundaries. While it specifically targets females, the base term 八卦 is gender-neutral and can be applied to anyone who enjoys prying into others' private affairs. It is often used in a playful way among friends, but can be quite offensive if directed at a stranger or someone you do not know well.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
keoi5 seng4 jat6 baat3 gwaa3 mui1 gam3 joeng2 me1 dou1 jiu3 man6 jat1 caan1
佢成日八卦妹咁樣，咩都要問一餐。
She is always acting like a gossip girl, wanting to ask about everything.
nei5 zou6 me1 jau6 baat3 gwaa3 mui1 soeng5 san1 aa4 m4 hou2 man6 gam3 do1 laa1
你做咩又八卦妹上身呀？唔好問咁多啦。
Why are you being a gossip girl again? Stop asking so many questions.
Related words
Common phrases
baat3 gwaa3 mui1 soeng5 san1
八卦妹上身
to be in a gossipy mood
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the noun 八卦 which refers to the Taoist concept of the Eight Trigrams. When used as an adjective or verb, it simply means nosy or to gossip, so adding 妹 specifically genderizes the person being described.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
