bat1 faan4不凡
Jyutpingbat1 faan4
Yalebāt fàahn
Definition
Extraordinary, distinguished, or outstanding.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
This term carries a literary or slightly formal weight despite being used in spoken Cantonese to describe someone with exceptional talent or presence. It is most frequently paired with nouns related to personal ability or appearance, such as 身手 or 氣度. Using it in casual conversation often implies a sense of admiration or respect for the person being described.
Examples
He is young, but his skills are extraordinary.
This artist's work truly has an extraordinary air about it.
Related words
Common phrases
extraordinary agility or skill
having an extraordinary presence or bearing
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective like 勁 or 好叻, but it is much more specific to innate quality or style. Avoid using it to describe mundane things like a good meal or a simple task, as it sounds overly dramatic or mismatched in those contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
