‘扮鬼’ literally means ‘to dress up as a ghost’ or ‘to pretend to be a ghost’. The first character 扮 (bàn) means ‘to impersonate’, ‘to play the role of’, or ‘to dress up as’; the second character 鬼 (guǐ) means ‘ghost’, ‘spirit’, or colloquially ‘scary figure’. Together, they form a verb describing the playful or mischievous act of acting like a ghost—often by covering the face, making eerie sounds, or startling others. It’s commonly used during festivals like Halloween or Mid-Autumn, but also in everyday contexts when children or friends jokingly scare each other.

This phrase carries a lighthearted, informal tone and is rarely used in serious or formal situations. It implies intentional, theatrical behavior—not actual supernatural belief. While 鬼 can have negative connotations in some idioms, here it’s neutral or even humorous, especially when children are involved. The action is usually brief, visible, and meant to provoke laughter or surprise rather than fear.