bat1 dak1 liu5不得了
Jyutpingbat1 dak1 liu5
Yalebāt dāk líuh
Definition
Extremely; to an exceptional or extraordinary degree.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
Functions as a post-verbal intensifier that emphasizes an extreme degree of a quality, typically following the particle 嘅 or 到. It carries a strong emotional weight, often used to express surprise, admiration, or sometimes exasperation at the intensity of a situation. Unlike formal Mandarin usage where it might imply a disastrous outcome, Cantonese speakers use it almost exclusively as a positive or neutral intensifier for adjectives.
Examples
It is incredibly hot today, I want to drink something cold.
Your son is exceptionally well-behaved, I am really envious.
Related words
Common phrases
incredibly beautiful
extremely busy
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a negative situation that is truly disastrous or dangerous, as it can sound overly dramatic or confusing to native speakers who expect it to emphasize a high degree of a quality rather than a state of emergency.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
