gwai2 maa5 si6鬼馬事鬼马事

Jyutpinggwai2 maa5 si6

Yalegwái máh sih

Definition

A shameful matter, or something that gives someone a guilty conscience.

colloquialemotion

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of moral unease or embarrassment, often implying that the person is hiding something they know is wrong. It is distinct from 鬼馬, which describes someone who is mischievous or clever. While 鬼馬 can be a compliment for a witty person, 鬼馬事 specifically focuses on the negative, secretive nature of a guilty action.

Measure word

daan1單dān

Examples

nei5你zou6做zo2咗me1咩gwai2鬼maa5馬si6事aa4呀？

What shameful thing have you done?

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日sau1收maai4埋di1啲gwai2鬼maa5馬si6事m4唔gam2敢gong2講。

He always hides his shameful secrets and dares not speak of them.

Common phrases

sau1收maai4埋gwai2鬼maa5馬si6事

to hide a shameful secret

zou6做gwai2鬼maa5馬si6事

to do something shameful

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 鬼馬, which is a common adjective for someone who is funny, quirky, or clever. Using 鬼馬事 to describe a funny prank will cause confusion, as it specifically implies a sense of shame or a guilty conscience.