gwaai1 gwaai1 zai2乖乖仔
Jyutpinggwaai1 gwaai1 zai2
Yalegwāai gwāai jái
Definition
Good, obedient, or well-behaved boy.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term specifically describes a male who is well-behaved, obedient, and follows social or parental expectations. It carries a slightly affectionate or sometimes patronizing tone, depending on whether the speaker is praising the person or questioning their lack of independence. It is rarely used to describe someone who is simply kind, as it emphasizes compliance and lack of trouble-making.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to be a good boy
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a girl, as the suffix 仔 specifically denotes a male. For a girl, the equivalent would be 乖乖女.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
