baat3 gwaa3八卦
Jyutpingbaat3 gwaa3
Yalebaat gwa
Definition
To gossip, pry, or nose around for information.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Originally referring to the Eight Trigrams in Taoist cosmology, this term has evolved into a ubiquitous label for anyone who is overly curious about the private lives of others. It functions as both a verb for the act of prying and an adjective to describe a person who cannot resist digging for secrets. It carries a slightly playful yet critical tone, often used to call out someone for crossing personal boundaries.
Examples
Why are you being so nosy? What does other people's family business have to do with you?
He loves gossiping about other people's private matters, it's really annoying.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the noun for the philosophical concept. When used as an adjective, it describes a person's character, so you should use it with the copula 係, such as 佢好八卦, rather than treating it as a standard descriptive verb.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
