ci1 mei6 mong5 loeng5魑魅魍魎魑魅魍魉
Jyutpingci1 mei6 mong5 loeng5
Yalechī meih móhng léuhng
Definition
Demons, monsters, evil spirits, and ghosts in general.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used metaphorically in modern Hong Kong to describe corrupt people, shady characters, or those with malicious intentions in a social or political context. It carries a strong sense of moral condemnation and disgust, far beyond a literal reference to folklore. Using it effectively paints the subjects as subhuman or inherently wicked.
Examples
There are many demons and monsters here, be careful.
What are that bunch of demons and monsters trying to do?
Related words
Common phrases
to deal with demons and monsters
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal term for ghosts like 鬼, but it is much more evocative and aggressive. It is rarely used to describe actual supernatural entities in casual conversation, but rather to attack the character of people.
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.
