kwai1 geoi2規矩规矩
Jyutpingkwai1 geoi2
Yalekwāi géui
Definition
Well-behaved and disciplined; law-abiding or following the rules.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes someone who follows social norms or personal standards of conduct. It often implies a sense of reliability and predictability in a person's behavior. While it can describe a person's character, it is also frequently used to describe a child's behavior in public settings.
Examples
He is usually very well-behaved and won't mess around.
When you take your son to yum cha, is he well-behaved?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the noun usage of 規矩 meaning rules or etiquette. When used as an adjective, it describes the person's state of being, whereas the noun refers to the rules themselves.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
