jiu2 gwaai3妖怪
Jyutpingjiu2 gwaai3
Yaleyíu gwaai
Definition
A monster, goblin, or malevolent supernatural being.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of supernatural beings, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe people who are exceptionally skilled or talented in a way that feels almost inhuman. It is common to hear gamers or students refer to someone who performs at an elite level as a妖怪. The tone can range from genuine awe to playful teasing depending on the context.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Legend has it that monsters haunt this place, be careful.
Related words
Common phrases
to dress up as a monster
monsters haunting a place
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply mean or rude, as it specifically implies a supernatural or monstrous quality. For a person who is just behaving badly, words like 衰人 or 壞人 are much more appropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
