waa1 gwai2嘩鬼哗鬼
Jyutpingwaa1 gwai2
Yalewā gwái
Definition
A naughty, hyperactive, or noisy child; a little pest.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Originally referring to ghosts or spirits, this term has evolved into a playful yet exasperated way to describe children who are hyperactive or misbehaving. It carries a sense of chaotic energy rather than genuine malice. While it is most commonly applied to children, it can occasionally be used to describe adults who are acting immaturely or causing a scene.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Are you bunch of pests making trouble here again?
With two naughty kids at home, it's never quiet for a second.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is truly dangerous or malicious, as the term implies a level of mischief that is ultimately harmless. It is also specific to people, so it cannot be used to describe a noisy machine or an annoying situation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
