gwai2 zi1鬼知
Jyutpinggwai2 zi1
Yalegwái jī
Definition
An exclamation meaning "Who knows?" or "God knows."
colloquialcommunicationslang
How it's used
This expression carries a dismissive and slightly impatient tone, signaling that the speaker finds the question irrelevant or impossible to answer. It is frequently used to shut down inquiries about someone else's unpredictable behavior or whereabouts. Unlike a neutral I do not know, it implies that the information is either unknowable or not worth the effort to investigate.
Examples
Who knows what he is thinking about.
Related words
Common phrases
Who knows? (rhetorical)
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or professional settings, as it can sound rude or flippant. It is strictly for casual conversations among friends or peers.
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.
