bat1 co3不錯不错
Jyutpingbat1 co3
Yalebāt cho
Definition
Not bad; quite good.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Although the literal meaning suggests a negative construction, it functions as a positive assessment. It is frequently used to provide polite or modest praise, often carrying a slightly understated tone compared to saying something is excellent. Using it allows for a balanced evaluation that avoids sounding overly enthusiastic or hyperbolic.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct translation of the English not bad in contexts where it sounds dismissive or cold. In Cantonese, 唔錯 is genuinely positive, whereas in English, not bad can sometimes imply mediocrity depending on the intonation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
