乖
guāi
The English phrase "be good" is translated into Chinese as 乖 (guāi).
The word 乖 is used primarily when speaking to children to tell them to be obedient or well-behaved.
Which one should you use?
While 好 means "good" in a general sense regarding quality or character, 乖 specifically refers to a child's behavior and obedience.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can reduplicate the word to form 乖乖, which makes the tone even more affectionate and gentle. This version is often used by parents or elders.
How do you pronounce it?
guāi
Did you know?
- Using 乖乖 as an interjection can sometimes function like 'Goodness!' or 'My goodness!', expressing surprise rather than telling someone to behave.
- While 乖 means 'be good' in the context of obedience, it can also mean 'strange' or 'deviant' in certain classical or specific regional contexts, representing a shift from 'acting out of the norm' to 'acting poorly'.
- If you call an adult 乖, it can sound incredibly patronizing, as if you are treating them like a child or a pet, rather than complimenting their character.
Examples in context
- 你要乖一点。Nǐ yào guāi yīdiǎn.You need to be good.
- 他不听话，一点都不乖。Tā bù tīnghuà, yīdiǎn dōu bù guāi.He doesn't listen, he is not good at all.
- 听妈妈的话，要乖。Tīng māma de huà, yào guāi.Listen to your mother and be good.
Example conversation
A mother is talking to her young son at home.
- 梓涵 Zihan宝宝，要听话，要乖。Bǎobao, yào tīnghuà, yào guāi.Baby, listen to me and be good.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我知道了，我会乖的。Wǒ zhīdào le, wǒ huì guāi de.I know, I will be good.
- 梓涵 Zihan真乖，真棒！Zhēn guāi, zhēn bàng!So good, you're wonderful!
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢妈妈。Xièxie māma.Thank you, mom.
