bat1 mou4 dou6 lei5不無道理不无道理
Jyutpingbat1 mou4 dou6 lei5
Yalebāt mòuh douh léih
Definition
Not without reason; making some sense; containing a grain of truth.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
This is a double negative construction that functions as a polite or understated way of agreeing with someone. It carries a slightly formal or intellectual tone compared to saying simple phrases like 講得啱. Using it suggests you have carefully considered the argument and found validity in it, rather than just giving a quick nod of approval.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin usage, but in Cantonese, it is frequently used in spoken contexts to sound more sophisticated. Be careful not to overuse it in casual settings, as it can sound overly analytical or detached.
Grammar color guide
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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.
