bat1 ho2 bat1不可不

Jyutpingbat1 ho2 bat1

Yalebāt hó bāt

Definition

Cannot but; must; have to.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

Double negatives are used here to create a strong, emphatic tone that suggests an obligation or necessity. It is significantly more formal than using 必須 or 一定要, often appearing in written reports, formal speeches, or serious advice. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound overly dramatic or like you are reading from a textbook.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事hou2好zung6重jiu3要，ngo5我dei6哋bat1不ho2可bat1不lei5理。

This matter is very important, we cannot ignore it.

min6面deoi3對ni1呢go3個tiu1挑zin3戰，nei5你bat1不ho2可bat1不siu2小sam1心aa4呀。

Facing this challenge, you must be careful.

Common phrases

bat1不ho2可bat1不seon3信

have to believe

bat1不ho2可bat1不fong4防

must be on guard

Common mistake

Learners often use this in everyday speech where a simple 必須 or 應該 would sound much more natural. It is not a common way to express simple daily requirements like needing to eat or sleep.