joek6 gai1弱雞弱鸡
Jyutpingjoek6 gai1
Yaleyeuhk gāi
Definition
Weak, feeble, or cowardly.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used to mock someone for lacking physical strength or being timid in a confrontation. It carries a playful or teasing tone rather than a purely malicious one, though it can still be offensive depending on the relationship. It is frequently applied to people who look frail or act cowardly when faced with a challenge.
Examples
You are so feeble, how can you move these heavy things?
He usually seems so weak, who knew he was so good at ball games.
Related words
Common phrases
very feeble
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe something that is simply small or fragile, as it specifically implies a lack of capability or courage. It is strictly a descriptor for people, not objects.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
