san4 teoi1 gwai2 gung1神推鬼㧬
Jyutpingsan4 teoi1 gwai2 gung1
Yalesàhn tēui gwái gūng
Definition
To do something inexplicably or unconsciously, as if impelled by supernatural forces.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This expression captures the feeling of acting against one's own better judgment, as if an external, invisible force has taken control of your actions. It is often used to explain impulsive decisions that seem out of character or irrational in hindsight. The imagery implies a sense of being pushed or nudged by spirits or ghosts, making it a vivid way to describe a lapse in logic.
Examples
I do not know why I felt compelled to buy this machine.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple laziness or lack of motivation. It specifically requires a sense of sudden, unexplainable action that feels like a compulsion or a loss of personal agency.
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.
