Definitions
(adjective)
well-behaved; obedient
(adjective)
clever; shrewd
(adjective)
perverse; contrary to what is expected
Etymology
About
The character 乖, structurally composed of 千 above 北 in its present form, originated with a meaning centered on divergence and disobedience, reflecting an etymological conception of contrarianess or perversity. Its semantic value shifted over centuries, transitioning from denoting rebelliousness to acquiring the contrary sense of being obedient and well-behaved, which now defines its primary modern usage.
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。