jiu2 jip6妖孽
Definition
An evil spirit, monster, or siren, now commonly used metaphorically for a woman with bad intentions.
- an evil spirit, monster, or siren that lures people with beauty
- figurativea woman with bad or malicious intentions
How it's used
Originally referring to malevolent supernatural beings in folklore, this term has evolved into a gendered insult directed at women perceived as seductive, manipulative, or destructive to social harmony. It carries a strong sense of moral judgment and is often used in gossip to warn others about someone's perceived negative influence. Because it implies a supernatural level of malice, it is much harsher than simply calling someone a bad person.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe men, as it is almost exclusively applied to women in modern colloquial speech. Using it to describe a man would sound confusing or suggest he is being compared to a female archetype.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
