家伙
jiā huo HSK 6

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

这个家伙很锋利,小心使用。
Zhège jiāhuo hěn fēnglì, xiǎoxīn shǐyòng.
This tool is very sharp, use it carefully.
他带来了新家伙修理机器。
Tā dài láile xīn jiāhuo xiūlǐ jīqì.
He brought a new utensil to repair the machine.
厨房里有很多家伙。
Chúfáng lǐ yǒu hěnduō jiāhuo.
There are many tools in the kitchen.
这家伙很聪明。
Zhè jiāhuo hěn cōngmíng.
This guy is very smart.
我的家伙坏了。
Wǒ de jiāhuo huài le.
My tool is broken.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 家伙 as 'home (家) partner (伙)'—like a buddy you know from your home or neighborhood, making it informal and personal.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is informal and mostly used in spoken language or casual writing. It often appears in everyday conversations to refer to someone, sometimes with a hint of familiarity, annoyance, or humor, as in the example. Avoid using it in formal contexts.

📖 Grammar Points

Typically used with demonstratives like 这个 (zhège, 'this') or 那个 (nàge, 'that'), e.g., 这个家伙 (this guy). It can be modified by adjectives, as in 狡猾的家伙 (cunning fellow).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, using 家伙 can sound friendly or teasing among acquaintances, but may be rude if used disrespectfully toward strangers or elders. Its tone depends heavily on context and relationship.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 人 (rén, neutral 'person'), 家伙 is more casual and can carry emotional tone. Unlike 男人 (nánrén, 'man') which is neutral and descriptive, 家伙 often implies a specific, known individual with added attitude.

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