机灵鬼 (jī líng guǐ) — (colloquial) a clever person; a smart aleck (often affectionate or teasing)

Definition

An affectionate, teasing label for a clever, mischievous kid — 'little rascal' or 'smart aleck'. Always colloquial and warm; usually said about children.

noun
(colloquial) a clever persona smart aleck (often affectionate or teasing)
Measure word ·

Examples

  • 机灵鬼
    Zhè xiǎo jiā huo zhēn shì gè jī líng guǐ, shén me wèn tí dōu nán bù dǎo tā.
    This little guy is such a clever one, nothing stumps him.
  • 机灵鬼
    Nǐ zhè ge xiǎo jī líng guǐ, yòu xiǎng chū shén me guǐ zhǔ yì le?
    You little rascal, what trick have you come up with now?
  • 机灵鬼
    Bié kàn tā nián jì xiǎo, tā kě shì gè lǎo jī líng guǐ, shén me shì dōu míng bai.
    Don't let his age fool you — he's an old wisecracker, knows everything.

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