faan1 gwai2番鬼
Jyutpingfaan1 gwai2
Yalefāan gwái
Definition
Foreign devil; an offensive term for a Westerner.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Historically, this term reflects a colonial era perspective where foreigners were viewed as outsiders or ghosts. While it is still widely understood and used by older generations, it can be perceived as derogatory or racially insensitive in modern professional or polite contexts. It is safer to use the neutral term 外國人 when speaking to or about someone you do not know well.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That white guy really likes eating dim sum.
Related words
Common phrases
white guy
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in formal settings or when addressing someone directly, as it can sound rude or xenophobic. It is strictly a colloquial label for a white person and should not be used for other ethnicities.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
