hou2 gwai2 seoi1好鬼衰
Jyutpinghou2 gwai2 seoi1
Yalehóu gwái sēui
Definition
Very mean, nasty, or annoying.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
The inclusion of 鬼 adds an emphatic, slightly playful or exasperated tone to the adjective 衰. It functions as an intensifier similar to 'damn' or 'so' in English, making the criticism sound more informal and emotionally charged. It is commonly used among friends or peers to vent frustration about someone's behavior.
Examples
He is such a nasty person, always bullying others.
Related words
Common phrases
to be extremely nasty in character
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or professional settings, as the inclusion of 鬼 can sound overly casual or even slightly rude depending on the listener. It is strictly for informal, spoken contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
