gei1 zi3機智机智
Jyutpinggei1 zi3
Yalegēi ji
Definition
Quick-witted, resourceful, and intelligent; clever.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
While this word conveys intelligence, it specifically highlights the ability to think on one's feet and handle unexpected situations with wit. It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the everyday term 醒目. You will often see it used in descriptions of characters in stories or when praising someone's quick problem solving skills in a professional context.
Examples
He reacts very quickly, he is really clever.
How did you come up with this clever method?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe general academic intelligence or book smarts, as it focuses more on situational awareness and mental agility. For general intelligence, use 聰明 instead.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
