ngoi4 zi2呆子
Jyutpingngoi4 zi2
Yalengòih jí
Definition
A slow-witted person; a fool, idiot, or dork.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Using 呆子 often implies a sense of social awkwardness or being slow on the uptake rather than just being unintelligent. It carries a slightly playful yet mocking tone depending on the relationship between the speakers. It is less common in everyday speech than 傻仔 or 戇居, which are the standard ways to call someone a fool.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Why are you acting like such a dork?
Related words
Common phrases
acting like a complete dork
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 呆, which is an adjective meaning dull or blank. While 呆子 is a noun referring to a person, 呆 is used to describe a state of being, such as 呆咗 (stunned or blanked out).
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.
