gwai2 sei2 gam2鬼死咁
Jyutpinggwai2 sei2 gam2
Yalegwái séi gám
Definition
Extremely; to a very high degree.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
This intensifier is used to emphasize an adjective, often conveying a sense of annoyance or extreme frustration. It carries a colloquial, slightly rough edge that makes it unsuitable for formal settings. Speakers often use it to highlight how a situation is beyond normal limits, such as being excessively tired or busy.
Examples
The weather is extremely hot today, it's basically an oven outside.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this with positive adjectives, as it is almost exclusively reserved for negative or undesirable states like being tired, busy, or annoyed. Using it to describe something pleasant, like being happy or beautiful, sounds unnatural and confusing to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
