gei1 gwaan1機關机关

Jyutpinggei1 gwaan1

Yalegēi gwāan

名詞Uncommon

Definition

An intricate, mechanical device or machine comprised of many parts; a mechanism or trap.

neutralotherdescriptions

How it's used

Beyond referring to physical mechanical devices, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe hidden traps or complex schemes in human interactions. It often implies a sense of cunning or a calculated setup meant to catch someone off guard. When used in this abstract sense, it carries a slightly negative connotation of being overly strategic or manipulative.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

ni1呢go3個so2鎖jau5有hou2好do1多gei1機gwaan1關，m4唔sik1識hoi1開wui2會so2鎖sei2死㗎。

This lock has many intricate parts; if you don't know how to open it, it will jam.

nei5你gu2估keoi5佢cit3設gai3計ni1呢go3個hap6盒jau5有me1咩gei1機gwaan1關le1呢？

What kind of mechanism do you think he designed into this box?

Common phrases

gei1機gwaan1關syun3算zeon6盡

to be extremely calculating and devious

gei1機gwaan1關coeng1槍

machine gun

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can refer to a government office or agency, as that meaning is not standard in spoken Cantonese. In Cantonese, it almost exclusively refers to a physical mechanism or a metaphorical trap.