gei1 ging2機警机警
Jyutpinggei1 ging2
Yalegēi gíng
Definition
Vigilant, sharp, and alert to sudden changes in a situation.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Describes someone who possesses a quick, intuitive sense for danger or subtle shifts in their environment. It implies a high level of mental alertness rather than just physical speed. People often use this to praise someone for their street smarts or their ability to handle unexpected crises without panicking.
Examples
He is sharp; he left immediately once he saw something was wrong.
You are so astute, you will definitely be able to avoid this trap.
Related words
Common phrases
quick-witted reaction
more vigilant than others
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 醒目, which is a broader term for being clever or smart in a general sense. 機警 specifically emphasizes the ability to detect threats or changes, making it more situational and reactive.
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.
