gu2 ling4 zing1 gwaai3古靈精怪古灵精怪
Jyutpinggu2 ling4 zing1 gwaai3
Yalegú lìhng jīng gwaai
Definition
Strange, eccentric, and unconventional, often in a playful, mischievous, or quirky way.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the combination of being eccentric and slightly mischievous, often implying that someone is trying to be funny or disruptive. It is frequently used to describe children or creative people who think outside the box in a way that others find unpredictable. Unlike simply being weird, it carries a sense of lightheartedness or cleverness.
Examples
He is always coming up with strange and mischievous ideas.
Related words
Common phrases
strange and mischievous ideas
an eccentric and playful person
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe something that is genuinely dangerous or disturbing, as it implies a playful or harmless eccentricity. It is not a synonym for simply being mentally ill or socially awkward.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
