bat1 ho2 jat1 sai3不可一世
Jyutpingbat1 ho2 jat1 sai3
Yalebāt hó yāt sai
Definition
Extremely arrogant and self-important; acting as if nobody else in the world is as good as oneself.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom describes someone who believes they are superior to everyone else and acts with extreme condescension. It carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used to criticize someone's insufferable attitude or behavior. Unlike simpler terms for arrogance, this emphasizes a sense of self-importance that borders on delusion.
Examples
He is always so arrogant, as if the whole world has to listen to him.
Why are you acting so arrogant? You should tone it down.
Related words
Common phrases
an arrogant attitude
an arrogant look on one's face
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective like proud, but it is a formal idiom that sounds quite intense in conversation. Using it to describe minor confidence or pride is inappropriate, as it specifically targets people who act as if they are the only ones who matter.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
