HSK · Level 87
45 words
Chinese word
乖巧
Pronunciation
Pinyinguāi qiǎo
Meaning
- adjectiveclever
Example
他的小猫很乖巧，懂得自己上厕所。tā de xiǎo māo hěn guāi qiǎo dǒng de zì jǐ shàng cè suǒ
His kitten is very clever and knows how to use the litter box on its own.
More examples
小狗在客人面前总是表现得很乖巧。xiáo gǒu zài kè rén miàn qián zǒng shì biǎo xiàn de hěn guāi qiǎo
The puppy always behaves very well in front of guests.
Core concept
A gentle, responsive manner that understands what is expected and handles it neatly.
Common phrases
表现得乖巧biǎo xiàn de guāi qiǎo
behave well
看起来乖巧kàn qǐ lái guāi qiǎo
look well-behaved
越发乖巧yuè fā guāi qiǎo
become even more well-behaved
Similar words
听话tīng huà: Readily doing what is asked and accepting guidance without resistance.
乖guāi: Properly behaved and willing to do what adults expect.
机灵jī líng: Quick to grasp what is happening and skillful at responding effectively.
聪明cōng míng: Quick to grasp ideas and learn from knowledge and experience.
Definition in Chinese
形容人或动物性格听话且聪明，行为乖顺并显得机灵，常用来称赞孩子或小宠物。xíng róng rén huò dòng wù xìng gé tīng huà qiě cōng míng xíng wéi guāi shùn bìng xiǎn de jī líng cháng yòng lái chēng zàn hái zi huò xiǎo chǒng wù
Word origin
乖 (guāi, "well-behaved") contributes cooperative conduct, and 巧 (qiǎo, "clever") contributes practical skill, so the compound presents good behavior as both responsive and capable.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversation, this is a common compliment for children and pets, but it can sound childish or patronizing when applied to an adult.