Definitions
(adjective)
well-behaved; obedient
(adjective)
clever; shrewd
(adjective)
perverse; contrary to what is expected
Etymology
About
The character "乖" carries an etymology rooted in early concepts of deviation or opposition, with its structural composition originally hinting at a sense of parting or contradiction. Initially employed to describe perverse or contrary conduct, its meaning gradually shifted through centuries of literary and colloquial use, eventually inverting to convey notions of compliance and good behavior, notably when referring to children. The modern form of the character, consistent across writing systems, visually combines the elements for thousand and north, though these components no longer inform its meaning but instead serve as a fixed symbol for its contemporary sense of obedience.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
妹妹今天很乖。
小狗乖乖地趴着。
他是个乖学生。
孩子们乖乖地排队。
妈妈希望我乖一点。
尽管调皮，他有时也很乖。
在老师面前，他表现得特别乖。
她看似乖巧，实则独立自主。