gwai2 gam2鬼噉鬼啖
Jyutpinggwai2 gam2
Yalegwái gám
Definition
Extremely; terribly; immensely.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This intensifier is used to emphasize an extreme degree of an adjective, often carrying a slightly negative or frustrated connotation. It functions similarly to 'super' or 'insanely' in English, but it is specifically used to highlight that the speaker finds the situation excessive or annoying. It is almost exclusively used in informal, spoken contexts.
Examples
The food at this restaurant is outrageously expensive.
The weather is terribly hot today, I want to go swimming.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal writing or professional settings, as the inclusion of 鬼 makes it sound casual and potentially rude. It is not interchangeable with standard intensifiers like 好, which are neutral in tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
