gwai2 zaak3鬼責鬼责

Jyutpinggwai2 zaak3

Yalegwái jaak

Definition

Sleep paralysis; the sensation of being pressed down by a spirit while sleeping.

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How it's used

Refers to the sensation of being unable to move or speak while transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. While modern science identifies this as sleep paralysis, the cultural explanation remains deeply rooted in the idea of a malevolent spirit pinning the sleeper down. It is often used to describe a feeling of extreme helplessness or being physically trapped.

Examples

ngo5我cam4尋maan5晚fan3瞓gaau3覺go2嗰zan6陣hou2好ci5似bei2俾gwai2鬼zaak3責gam3咁。

I felt like I had sleep paralysis while sleeping last night.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪si3試gwo3過bei2俾gwai2鬼zaak3責aa4呀？

Have you ever experienced sleep paralysis?

Common phrases

bei2俾gwai2鬼zaak3責

to experience sleep paralysis

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with being haunted or possessed by a ghost, as it specifically describes the physical sensation of being unable to move during sleep. It is a descriptive term for a physiological experience rather than a literal claim of supernatural activity.