鬼 — meaning in English: ghost

guǐ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for ghost

事

shì

鬼

guǐ

老乡

lǎoxiāng

成本

chéngběn

共和国

gònghéguó

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 鬼 (guǐ) when discussing folklore or supernatural tales, especially during festivals like the Ghost Festival. Additionally, it can be used in casual conversations to describe someone acting strangely or mysteriously, as in 'You look like you've seen a ghost.'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 幽灵 (yōulíng), which also means 'spirit' but carries a less eerie connotation. You would choose 鬼 when referring to a ghost in a more folkloric or traditional context, while 幽灵 is more common in literary or poetic descriptions.

Culture

The character 鬼 (guǐ) has a rich history, appearing in ancient texts and representing more than just ghosts; it embodies spirits and the unknown. In Chinese culture, ghosts are often thought to roam during specific festivals, leading to vibrant traditions meant to honor and pacify these spirits.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 鬼 in English?

鬼 (guǐ) translates to 'ghost' in English, referring to the spirit of a deceased person, often depicted in folklore and stories.

Q.How do you use 鬼 in a sentence?

You can use 鬼 in sentences like '他今天看起来像鬼' (Tā jīntiān kàn qǐlái xiàng guǐ), meaning 'He looks like a ghost today.' It captures both the literal and figurative meanings in a casual context.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 鬼?

A common mistake is using 鬼 in a literal sense when describing a person behaving strangely. Instead, it’s often more appropriate to use it metaphorically or in relation to supernatural topics.

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