bat1 saam1 bat1 sei3不三不四
Jyutpingbat1 saam1 bat1 sei3
Yalebāt sāam bāt sei
Definition
Nondescript, dubious, or highly eccentric in appearance or character.
- having a bizarre, weird, or non-traditional appearance or dress
- dubious, sketchy, or improper in character
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that the subject is not just unconventional but also lacks proper decorum or looks disreputable. It is frequently used to criticize someone's fashion choices or behavior that deviates significantly from social norms. While it can describe objects, it is most commonly applied to people to suggest they look suspicious or untrustworthy.
Examples
His outfit looks really weird and bizarre, it's hard to look at.
Why did you make yourself look so strange and out-there?
Related words
Common phrases
dressed in a bizarre or disreputable way
looking strange or suspicious
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being unique or creative, as it carries a judgmental tone of being improper or shady. It is not used to describe something that is merely different, but rather something that feels wrong or out of place.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
