gwan1昆
Jyutpinggwan1
Yalegwān
Definition
Descendant; a style of Chinese poetry; to trick; mouth
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
Implies a more calculated or malicious form of deception compared to the more casual or playful usage of 呃. It often suggests a premeditated scheme to exploit someone's trust or naivety for personal gain. While 呃 can sometimes be used in lighthearted contexts between friends, 昆 almost always carries a negative weight.
Examples
keoi5 seng4 jat6 kwan1 jan4 cin2 zan1 hai6 hou2 mou2 ban2
佢成日昆人錢，真係好冇品。
He is always cheating people out of money, he has no integrity.
nei5 hai6 mai6 soeng2 kwan1 ngo5 aa4 ngo5 bin1 jau5 gam3 ceon2
你係咪想昆我呀？我邊有咁蠢。
Are you trying to trick me? I'm not that stupid.
Related words
Common phrases
bei2 jan4 kwan1
俾人昆
to be cheated
kwan1 cin2
昆錢
to swindle money
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Cantonese word for insect, which is written with the same character but carries a completely different meaning and pronunciation in daily speech.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
