bat1 ji4不而
Jyutpingbat1 ji4
Yalebāt yìh
Definition
How about; what if.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Functions as a suggestion marker that softens a request or proposal. It is frequently paired with the particle 啦 at the end of the sentence to make the tone sound more inviting and less like a command.
Related words
Common phrases
How about we do this instead
Why not give it a try
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔好, which means 'do not' or 'not good'. Ensure the tone is rising for the suggestion, whereas 唔好 carries a more definitive or negative weight.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
