guǐ: 鬼 - Ghost, Spirit, Demon, Devil

• Keywords: gui pinyin, gui Chinese character, what does gui mean, Chinese ghost, Chinese demon, gui meaning, 鬼, 鬼 in English, Chinese mythology, Hungry Ghost Festival, Chinese slang with gui, 酒鬼, 胆小鬼
• Summary: The Chinese character 鬼 (guǐ) is a rich and versatile term that literally means “ghost” or “spirit.” However, its meaning extends far beyond simple horror stories. In Chinese culture, 鬼 is deeply connected to ancestor worship, the afterlife, and major cultural events like the Hungry Ghost Festival (鬼节). In modern Mandarin, it's also a powerful and common slang term used to describe something terrible (like `鬼天气` - awful weather), to express disbelief (`鬼知道` - who the hell knows?), or to refer to someone with a strong habit or addiction, like an alcoholic (`酒鬼`). This page explores the literal, cultural, and colloquial meanings of 鬼 (guǐ).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guǐ
• Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective, Adverb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A supernatural being, such as a ghost, spirit, or demon; also used colloquially as a negative prefix or a suffix for addiction/habit.
• In a Nutshell: While `鬼` translates directly to “ghost,” it's not just a spooky apparition. Think of it as a broad category for spirits of the dead. Crucially, its meaning changes dramatically with context. It can be a scary creature in a movie, a wandering ancestor you need to appease during a festival, or a slang word you use with friends to complain about the weather or call someone a “cheapskate” (`小气鬼`). Understanding `鬼` is key to unlocking a deeper layer of Chinese culture and daily conversation.

• 鬼 (guǐ): The character itself is a pictograph. The top part (`田` on top of `儿`) was originally a large, strange head on a human-like figure. The bottom `厶` part suggests something private, hidden, or even a tail. The overall image represents an otherworldly, human-like entity with a monstrous head, perfectly capturing the idea of a ghost or spirit that is not quite human. The character's form emphasizes its mysterious and unsettling nature.

• In Chinese culture, `鬼` are not just random specters; they are an integral part of a complex cosmology involving the afterlife, reincarnation, and familial duty. Unlike the often chaotic and individualistic ghosts of Western lore, the Chinese spirit world is highly organized, almost like a celestial bureaucracy, with its own courts and officials in the underworld (地府, dìfǔ).
• Comparison to Western “Ghosts”: A Western ghost might haunt a specific house because of a tragic event. A Chinese `鬼` is often a spirit that has not been properly cared for by its living descendants. This neglect might be due to not having family, or the family failing to perform proper ancestor worship rites. These uncared-for spirits become “hungry ghosts” (饿鬼, èguǐ), which are believed to cause trouble for the living.
• The Hungry Ghost Festival (鬼节, Guǐ Jié): This concept is most vividly expressed during the Ghost Festival, held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. It's believed that on this day, the gates of the underworld open, and all ghosts are free to roam the world of the living. To appease these spirits and honor their own ancestors, people burn joss paper (imitation money) and make food offerings to prevent the ghosts from bringing bad luck. This practice is rooted in the core value of filial piety (孝, xiào), extending the duty of care to family members even after their death.

`鬼` is an incredibly flexible word in modern, informal Chinese.

• Literal Use (Ghosts & Horror):
  • Used when talking about ghost stories (`鬼故事`), horror movies (`鬼片`), or haunted houses (`鬼屋`).
  • Example: `你相信有鬼吗？` (Nǐ xiāngxìn yǒu guǐ ma? - Do you believe in ghosts?)
• As a Negative Intensifier (Adjective/Adverb):
  • When placed before a noun or verb, it adds a strong negative feeling, similar to “damn,” “awful,” or “the hell.” This is very common in casual speech.
  • `鬼天气` (guǐ tiānqì): Awful/damnable weather.
  • `鬼地方` (guǐ dìfang): A hellhole; a terrible place.
  • `鬼知道` (guǐ zhīdào): “The ghost knows,” meaning “Who the hell knows?” or “God only knows.”
• As a Suffix for Habits & Addictions (-holic):
  • Appended to a noun, `鬼` can describe a person who is obsessed with or addicted to that thing. It's often negative but can sometimes be playful.
  • `酒鬼` (jiǔguǐ): An alcoholic; a drunkard.
  • `烟鬼` (yānguǐ): A chain-smoker.
  • `赌鬼` (dǔguǐ): A gambling addict.
• As a Playful Insult or Nickname:
  • In this context, it often loses its negative sting and becomes a mild, sometimes affectionate, way to call someone out on a specific trait.
  • `胆小鬼` (dǎnxiǎoguǐ): Coward; “scaredy-cat.”
  • `小气鬼` (xiǎoqìguǐ): A cheapskate; a stingy person.
  • `机灵鬼` (jīlingguǐ): A clever little devil; a smart aleck (often said with a smile).

• Example 1:
  • 我最怕看鬼片了，晚上会睡不着。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuì pà kàn guǐpiàn le, wǎnshang huì shuìbuzháo.
  • English: I'm most afraid of watching horror (ghost) movies; I can't fall asleep at night.
  • Analysis: Here, `鬼` is used in its most literal sense within the compound word `鬼片` (ghost movie). The context is straightforward.
• Example 2:
  • 这鬼天气，一会儿下雨，一会儿出太阳。
  • Pinyin: Zhè guǐ tiānqì, yīhuìr xiàyǔ, yīhuìr chū tàiyáng.
  • English: This awful (ghost) weather, it's raining one minute and sunny the next.
  • Analysis: `鬼` functions as a negative adjective, intensifying “weather” (`天气`). It expresses frustration and is very colloquial.
• Example 3:
  • A: 他去哪儿了？ B: 鬼知道！他没告诉我。
  • Pinyin: A: Tā qù nǎr le? B: Guǐ zhīdào! Tā méi gàosù wǒ.
  • English: A: Where did he go? B: Who the hell knows! He didn't tell me.
  • Analysis: `鬼知道` is a common, informal set phrase used to mean “I have no idea” in an emphatic or exasperated way.
• Example 4:
  • 他爸爸是个老酒鬼，每天都喝得醉醺醺的。
  • Pinyin: Tā bàba shì ge lǎo jiǔguǐ, měitiān dōu hē de zuìxūnxūn de.
  • English: His father is an old drunkard (wine-ghost), he gets wasted every day.
  • Analysis: `酒鬼` is a standard term for an alcoholic. The `鬼` suffix clearly indicates an addiction to `酒` (alcohol).
• Example 5:
  • 别当胆小鬼，这个过山车一点都不可怕。
  • Pinyin: Bié dāng dǎnxiǎoguǐ, zhège guòshānchē yīdiǎn dōu bù kěpà.
  • English: Don't be a coward (small-guts ghost)! This roller coaster isn't scary at all.
  • Analysis: `胆小鬼` is a very common term for a “coward.” It's often used among friends and isn't a serious insult.
• Example 6:
  • 你这个小气鬼，连一瓶水都舍不得买吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhège xiǎoqìguǐ, lián yī píng shuǐ dōu shěbude mǎi ma?
  • English: You cheapskate (stingy ghost), you can't even bear to buy a bottle of water?
  • Analysis: A playful and informal insult. `小气鬼` is used to tease someone for being stingy.
• Example 7:
  • 看他那样子，肯定是心里有鬼。
  • Pinyin: Kàn tā nà yàngzi, kěndìng shì xīn lǐ yǒu guǐ.
  • English: Look at him, he must have a guilty conscience (a ghost in his heart).
  • Analysis: `心里有鬼` is a popular idiom meaning someone is hiding something or feeling guilty, as if they have a “ghost” in their heart.
• Example 8:
  • 你这个机灵鬼，又想出了什么好主意？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhège jīlingguǐ, yòu xiǎng chū le shénme hǎo zhǔyi?
  • English: You clever devil (cleverness ghost), what great idea have you come up with now?
  • Analysis: This is an affectionate use of `鬼`. It's a compliment, praising someone for their quick-wittedness in a playful way.
• Example 9:
  • 年轻人不要整天在外面鬼混，要找个正经工作。
  • Pinyin: Niánqīngrén bùyào zhěngtiān zài wàimiàn guǐhùn, yào zhǎo ge zhèngjīng gōngzuò.
  • English: Young people shouldn't fool around (ghost-mix) outside all day, they should find a proper job.
  • Analysis: `鬼混` is a verb meaning to mess around, fool around, or live an aimless/dissolute life. It carries a strong negative connotation.
• Example 10:
  • 在中国，七月半被称为“鬼节”。
  • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, qī yuè bàn bèi chēngwéi “Guǐ Jié”.
  • English: In China, the 15th day of the 7th lunar month is called the “Ghost Festival”.
  • Analysis: `鬼节` is the common, colloquial name for the Zhongyuan Festival, directly highlighting its cultural connection to ghosts.

• Mistake 1: Assuming `鬼` is always evil.
  • English speakers often equate “ghost” or “demon” with pure evil. In Chinese, `鬼` is a neutral term for a spirit of the dead. Its nature (good, evil, or just wandering) depends on context. For a more explicitly evil, demonic being, the word `魔鬼 (móguǐ)` is a better fit.
• Mistake 2: Not recognizing the slang usage.
  • A learner might hear `他是个酒鬼` (Tā shì ge jiǔguǐ) and be completely confused, trying to translate it literally as “He is a wine ghost.” It's crucial to recognize `鬼` as a suffix for habits and as a negative prefix. This colloquial usage is far more common in daily speech than literal discussions about the supernatural.
• False Friend: “Ghost” vs. `鬼`
  • While “ghost” is the best direct translation, it lacks the deep cultural baggage of `鬼`. A Western “ghost” is a paranormal phenomenon. A Chinese `鬼` is part of the natural cycle of life, death, and ancestry. Forgetting to appease them isn't just spooky; it's a breach of familial duty. This connection to ancestor worship is the key difference.

• `魔鬼 (móguǐ)` - Devil, demon. This term is much closer to the Western concept of a purely malevolent, powerful evil entity.
• `妖怪 (yāoguài)` - Monster, goblin. These are often non-human spirits from folklore (e.g., a fox spirit) that have gained supernatural powers.
• `神 (shén)` - God, deity, spirit. The positive counterpart to `鬼`. Represents gods, deities, or divine beings.
• `灵魂 (línghún)` - Soul, spirit. A more neutral, philosophical term for the essence of a living being. A person has a `灵魂` when they are alive; they might become a `鬼` after they die.
• `鬼节 (guǐ jié)` - Ghost Festival. The common name for the cultural festival centered around `鬼`.
• `鬼故事 (guǐ gùshi)` - Ghost story. A common compound word.
• `心里有鬼 (xīn lǐ yǒu guǐ)` - An idiom for having a guilty conscience.
• `捣鬼 (dǎo guǐ)` - To play tricks, make trouble, or engage in mischief. Literally “to smash a ghost.”