san4 bei3神祕神秘
Jyutpingsan4 bei3
Yalesàhn bei
Definition
Mysterious, secretive, or mystical.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Applying this to a person often implies they are intentionally withholding information or keeping their private life hidden from others. It carries a slightly more negative or suspicious connotation than the English word mysterious, which can sometimes be romantic or intriguing. Use it to describe someone who acts in a way that makes others feel curious or uneasy.
Examples
He is a very mysterious person, he never talks about what he does.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe things that are simply unknown or confusing, as it specifically refers to the act of concealing information or maintaining a sense of secrecy.
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.
