kei3驥骥
Jyutpingkei3
Yalekei
Definition
A thoroughbred, fine, or talented horse.
writtenanimalsdescriptions
How it's used
Literary in nature, this term is almost exclusively used in the idiom 千里驥 to describe someone with exceptional talent or potential. It is rarely used in casual conversation to refer to an actual horse, as 马 is the standard term for that. You will mostly encounter it in formal writing or when praising someone's hidden abilities.
Measure word
pat1匹pātExamples
He is like a thoroughbred, running very fast.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a regular horse, as it specifically implies a high-quality, legendary steed. Using it in a casual context might sound overly dramatic or archaic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
