hou3 kei4好奇
Jyutpinghou3 kei4
Yalehou kèih
Definition
Curious, inquisitive, or wanting to know about something unknown.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Expressing curiosity often involves pairing this word with the noun 好奇心 to describe the feeling itself. It functions as a descriptive adjective for a person's state of mind when they encounter something new or mysterious. Unlike some other adjectives, it is rarely used to describe an object, but rather the reaction of a person towards that object.
Examples
Why are you so curious?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use it as a verb meaning to ask questions, but it is strictly an adjective. You cannot say 我好奇你，you must say 我對你感到好奇 or 我對你好好奇.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
