mo1 gwai2魔鬼
Definition
The devil or a demon; a personification of evil, or a wicked person or thing.
- the devil, a demon, or an evil spirit in religious contexts
- figurativean evil or wicked person or thing
How it's used
Beyond the literal religious sense, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who is cruel, manipulative, or possesses a corrupting influence. It often appears in the phrase 魔鬼喺細節度, which is the direct equivalent of the English idiom "the devil is in the details." Using it to describe a person carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting that their actions are intentionally harmful or wicked.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鬼, which is a general term for ghosts or spirits. While 魔鬼 specifically refers to a devil or a malevolent entity, 鬼 is often used in casual speech to refer to people in a playful or slightly derogatory way, such as 懶鬼 for a lazy person, which does not carry the same intense evil connotation as 魔鬼.
Grammar color guide
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.
