faan2 gwat1反骨
Jyutpingfaan2 gwat1
Yalefáan gwāt
Definition
Disloyal, treacherous, or betraying.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Originating from traditional Chinese medicine and folklore, the term refers to a protruding bone at the back of the skull that supposedly indicated a rebellious or untrustworthy nature. It carries a strong negative moral judgment, implying a fundamental character flaw rather than just a single mistake. It is frequently used to describe someone who turns against their own group or benefactor.
Examples
He is so treacherous, who would dare to do business with him?
You must never be a traitor and betray your own brothers.
Related words
Common phrases
a treacherous person
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply disagreeing with you or being stubborn. It specifically implies a betrayal of trust or loyalty, making it a very harsh accusation that can easily cause offense.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
