sip3 ceng1 gwai2攝青鬼摄青鬼
Jyutpingsip3 ceng1 gwai2
Yalesip chēng gwái
Definition
A type of malicious, pale-faced ghost, or a person who acts in a stealthy, suspicious, or sneaky manner.
- a type of pale-skinned, malevolent spirit or ghost
- figurativea person who behaves in a sneaky, stealthy, or suspicious manner
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originally referring to a specific type of vengeful spirit in folklore, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for someone who moves silently or acts in a suspicious, underhanded manner. It is frequently used to tease friends who appear suddenly without making any noise. The imagery emphasizes the unsettling, ghost-like quality of someone's unexpected arrival.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
He always sneaks up on me quietly, just like a ghost.
Why are you acting so sneaky, you scared me to death!
Related words
Common phrases
like a sneaky ghost
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply quiet or introverted. It specifically implies a sense of spookiness, sneakiness, or an unwelcome surprise.
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.
