gaai1佳
Jyutpinggaai1
Yalegāai
Definition
Good; excellent; favorable; beautiful.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a formal or literary morpheme rather than a standalone adjective in spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively found in set compounds like 佳餚 or 佳作 to denote a high standard of quality or beauty. Using it in casual conversation to describe something as good will sound unnatural or overly poetic.
Examples
The delicacies at this restaurant are really delicious.
His performance was so excellent this time, he should win an award.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a direct synonym of 好, but it cannot be used as a predicate on its own in a sentence like 呢個好佳. It must be attached to a noun or used within a formal phrase.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
