bat1 gan2 jiu3不緊要不紧要
Jyutpingbat1 gan2 jiu3
Yalebāt gán yiu
Definition
Never mind; it's not important; it doesn't matter.
colloquialcommunicationemotion
How it's used
This phrase is the standard way to dismiss a minor inconvenience or to reassure someone who has apologized for a small mistake. It carries a warm, forgiving tone that effectively lowers the tension in social interactions. While it literally translates to not important, it functions primarily as a polite social lubricant rather than a literal assessment of significance.
Related words
Common phrases
It doesn't matter at all
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 冇問題, which is closer to no problem or you are welcome. Use 唔緊要 when someone is apologizing to you, whereas 冇問題 is better suited for confirming that a task is easy to complete or that a request is acceptable.
Grammar color guide
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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.
