gwai2 ling4 zing1 gwaai3鬼靈精怪鬼灵精怪
Jyutpinggwai2 ling4 zing1 gwaai3
Yalegwái lìhng jīng gwaai
Definition
Mischievous, quirky, and quick-witted; strange or bizarre.
- mischievous, quirky, and quick-witted
- weird, bizarre, or grotesque
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This expression captures a dual nature, oscillating between describing someone who is clever and cheeky, and something that is physically odd or uncanny. It is frequently used to describe children who are precocious or full of tricks, but it can also label strange objects or situations that defy conventional categorization. The term carries a playful, slightly mysterious undertone that distinguishes it from more clinical words for strange.
Examples
His son is always so mischievous and hard to figure out.
The things sold in this shop are really bizarre.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe people in a serious or professional context, as it can sound dismissive or imply that someone is untrustworthy due to their unpredictable behavior.
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.
