bat1 hiu2不曉不晓
Jyutpingbat1 hiu2
Yalebāt híu
Definition
To not know or not understand.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Reflects a slightly more formal or old-fashioned tone compared to the ubiquitous 識 or 唔知. It is frequently used in older films or by older generations to express a lack of skill or knowledge regarding a specific method or technique. While understood by everyone, younger speakers often prefer 識 when talking about knowing how to do something.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唔知, which is used for general lack of information or facts. Use 唔曉 specifically when you lack the skill, ability, or knowledge of how to perform a task.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
