waan2 je5玩嘢
Jyutpingwaan2 je5
Yalewáan yéh
Definition
To play tricks, make trouble, or act unconventionally instead of following the rules.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This expression carries a strong sense of frustration or annoyance, often implying that someone is intentionally being difficult or sabotaging a process. It is frequently used when someone deviates from established procedures or expectations to cause trouble for others. The tone is informal and can sound quite confrontational depending on the context.
Examples
Why are you acting up all of a sudden?
He is always pulling stunts, which caused the project to fail.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply playing with objects, as the meaning is almost exclusively figurative and negative. It is not used to describe children playing with toys, but rather adults or peers acting in a disruptive or insincere manner.
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.
