鬼

• Pinyin: guǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 鬼 = pictograph of a spirit with a large head, indicating supernatural being

Meaning

Ghost; spirit; devil. Supernatural being or spirit of the dead.

Beyond supernatural meaning, used colloquially for mischievous people (especially children), as intensifier in curses, or in compounds meaning sneaky behavior. Very versatile in casual speech.

Examples

1. 小时候我特别怕鬼，晚上不敢一个人睡觉。 When I was little, I was especially afraid of ghosts and didn't dare to sleep alone at night.
2. 你这个小鬼，又在捣乱了！ You little rascal, causing trouble again!
3. 他鬼鬼祟祟的，不知道在干什么。 He's being all sneaky; I don't know what he's up to.

Usage Guide

Context: supernatural, colloquial, children, curses

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 你这个小鬼！(You little rascal!)
• 世界上没有鬼。(There are no ghosts in the world.)

Don't Say

• 你是鬼 as a direct insult to adults (can be very offensive depending on context — use carefully)

Origin & History

Ancient pictograph depicting a person with a large frightening head, representing spirits of the dead.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal