kaa1 waa1 ji1卡哇伊
Jyutpingkaa1 waa1 ji1
Yalekā wā yī
Definition
Cute; adorable.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Borrowed directly from Japanese, this term is used to describe something or someone as adorable or charming. It carries a more specific, playful nuance than the native Cantonese word 得意, often implying a style that is overtly sweet or cartoonish. It is most frequently heard among younger generations or in contexts related to pop culture and fashion.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
While widely understood, it is not a native Cantonese word and can sound overly affected or childish if used in formal or serious professional settings. Stick to 得意 for general descriptions of cuteness to avoid sounding like you are imitating anime dialogue.
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.
