ging1 gwai3矜貴矜贵

Jyutpingging1 gwai3

Yalegīng gwai

Definition

Precious or valuable; also used figuratively or sarcastically to describe someone or something fragile or pampered.

precious, valuable, or of great personal significance
figurativefragile, pampered, or unable to endure hardship or rough handling

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

Beyond describing physical value, this word often carries a nuance of fragility or high maintenance. When applied to people, it can sound slightly sarcastic or critical, implying someone is too delicate to handle real work or rough conditions. It highlights that something requires careful handling or special treatment to avoid damage or offense.

Examples

le1 gin2 saam1 hou2 ging1 gwai3 m4 hou2 lyun6 gam3 sai2 aa4

呢件衫好矜貴，唔好亂咁洗呀。

This shirt is very delicate, don't just wash it however you like.

keoi5 go3 jan4 hou2 ging1 gwai3 siu2 siu2 san1 fu2 dou1 sau6 m4 zyu6

佢個人好矜貴，少少辛苦都受唔住。

That person is very high-maintenance, they can't handle even a little bit of hardship.

Common phrases

san1 giu1 juk6 gwai3

身嬌肉貴

delicate and pampered

Common mistake

Avoid using this word to describe the price of everyday commodities, as it implies a sense of delicacy or rarity rather than just being expensive. For items that are simply costly, use 貴 instead.