Chinese Character: 乖
1. Character Basics
Radical: 丿/piě (slash), 丨/gǔn (vertical stroke)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Guāi (First tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Well-behaved; obedient; clever; cute
Extended Meaning: Gentle; docile; good-natured;乖孩子 (good child);乖巧 (clever and cute)
4. Common Words
- 乖巧 (guāi qiǎo) - Clever and cute
这个小女孩很乖巧，大家都喜欢她。
This little girl is very clever and cute, everyone likes her.
- 乖孩子 (guāi hái zi) - Good child
你真是个乖孩子，这么听话。
You are really a good child, so obedient.
- 乖张 (guāi zhāng) - Perverse; eccentric
他的性格有点乖张，不容易相处。
His personality is a bit perverse, not easy to get along with.
- 乖顺 (guāi shùn) - Obedient and docile
这只小狗很乖顺，主人很喜欢它。
This little dog is very obedient and docile, the owner likes it very much.
- 不乖 (bù guāi) - Not well-behaved
如果你不乖，就不能吃冰淇淋。
If you are not well-behaved, you can't eat ice cream.
5. Grammar & Usage
As an Adjective:
- 乖 + Noun: 乖孩子 (good child), 乖宠物 (obedient pet)
- 很/太/非常 + 乖: 很乖 (very well-behaved), 太乖了 (too well-behaved)
Common Structures:
- 变得乖: 他变得越来越乖了。(He is becoming more and more well-behaved.)
- 乖得 + Complement: 这孩子乖得让人喜欢。(This child is so well-behaved that people like him.)
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, being "乖" (well-behaved, obedient) is highly valued, especially for children. It represents respect for elders, adherence to social norms, and self-discipline. Parents often praise their children as "乖孩子" (good child) when they follow instructions and behave properly.
The concept of "乖" extends beyond childhood into adulthood, where it's associated with being reasonable, cooperative, and easy to get along with. However, there is also a balance - excessive emphasis on being "乖" can sometimes be seen as suppressing individuality, so modern Chinese society increasingly values both good behavior and personal creativity.
7. Example Sentence
妹妹很乖，总是帮妈妈做家务。
My sister is very well-behaved, she always helps mom with housework.
这只猫很乖，从不乱抓家具。
This cat is very good, it never scratches the furniture.
虽然他小时候很调皮，但现在变得很乖了。
Although he was very naughty when he was little, now he has become very well-behaved.
8. Memory Tips
- Component Memory: "乖" consists of parts that resemble a child (丿 and 丨) following rules (the enclosed part). Imagine a well-behaved child following instructions.
- Sound Association: The pronunciation "guāi" rhymes with "乖宝宝" (guāi bǎo bǎo, cute baby), a common phrase used to refer to well-behaved babies.
- Image Association: Visualize a cute, well-behaved child or pet when you see this character.
- Common Phrase: Remember the common phrase "乖孩子" (guāi hái zi, good child) to help recall both the character and its pronunciation.