gaau2 zaa3狡詐狡诈
Jyutpinggaau2 zaa3
Yalegáau ja
Definition
Deceitful, crafty, and untrustworthy.
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who is calculating and untrustworthy in their dealings with others. It carries a stronger, more formal tone than simply calling someone a liar, often implying a deep-seated personality trait rather than a one-off mistake. You will hear it more in serious discussions about character or in written critiques than in casual banter.
Examples
He is a crafty person who is always being deceitful at work.
You really shouldn't trust him, he is incredibly cunning.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is just being playful or mischievous, as it carries a heavy negative connotation of malice and betrayal. It is not interchangeable with 頑皮, which is used for lighthearted or childish behavior.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
