kei4奇
Jyutpingkei4
Yalekèih
Definition
Amazing, extraordinary, novel, or special; something that is unusual and brings surprise.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily as a modifier or in compound words to describe something that stands out from the ordinary. It often carries a nuance of surprise or novelty, distinguishing it from simple adjectives like 特別, which can be neutral. In spoken Cantonese, it is frequently paired with 咁 to emphasize the degree of strangeness or uniqueness.
Examples
This design is truly amazing.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'curious' in the sense of wanting to know something, as that is expressed by 好奇心. Learners often confuse it with 奇怪, which carries a negative connotation of being weird or suspicious, whereas 奇 often leans towards being impressive or remarkable.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
