san4 je5神嘢
Jyutpingsan4 je5
Yalesàhn yéh
Definition
Broken, damaged, or unreliable items, especially electrical appliances.
colloquialtechnologyother
How it's used
Focuses on electronic devices or machinery that function intermittently or unpredictably rather than being completely destroyed. It carries a sense of frustration, implying the object is a nuisance because it works just enough to be kept but fails when needed most. It is rarely used to describe people, unlike the adjective 神經 which relates to mental state or odd behavior.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
This computer is always acting up, it's so annoying.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 神經, which refers to nerves or acting crazy. Using 神嘢 to describe a person is grammatically incorrect and will sound confusing to native speakers.
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.
