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才怪

cái guài
phrase★Intermediate— that's unlikely
informal

Used to express strong doubt or disbelief about something, often with a tone of sarcasm or humor.

他说他能考第一名?才怪!

He says he can get first place? That's unlikely!

你觉得他会道歉?才怪!

Do you think he'll apologize? No way!

💡

Often used in casual conversations to express skepticism or disbelief.

Collocations

才怪呢that's unlikely

Synonyms

不可能别开玩笑别做梦

Antonyms

可能有可能

Related Phrases

别做梦phrase
don't dream
不可能phrase
impossible

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is typically used in informal settings to express strong disbelief or sarcasm.

⚡Gold Rule

Tone Matters

The tone is often sarcastic or humorous, so use it with the right context to avoid sounding rude.

📖Word Origin

Combination of '才' (only, just) and '怪' (strange, unlikely), forming a phrase to express strong doubt.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in spoken Chinese to dismiss someone's claim or expectation as unrealistic or improbable.

Word Breakdown

才
only, just
root
+
怪
strange, unlikely
root
汉英词典

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