san4 san4 faa3 faa3神神化化
Jyutpingsan4 san4 faa3 faa3
Yalesàhn sàhn fa fa
Definition
Acting in a strange, eccentric, or unusual way.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated adjective carries a slightly judgmental tone, implying that someone's behavior is eccentric, unpredictable, or unsettling. It is often used to describe someone who seems to be in their own world or acting suspiciously without a clear reason. You will frequently hear it applied to people who suddenly change their personality or start doing things that defy social norms.
Examples
He has been acting strange lately, talking to himself all the time.
Related words
Common phrases
acting in a strange manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with words meaning simply 'crazy' or 'mentally ill'. It specifically describes behavior that is odd or mysterious, rather than a clinical diagnosis.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
