bat1 gam2不敢
Jyutpingbat1 gam2
Yalebāt gám
Definition
To not dare to do something.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
Use 唔敢 when expressing a lack of courage or hesitation to perform an action due to fear or social pressure. It is frequently used in a self-deprecating way to politely decline an offer or invitation, such as saying 唔敢當 when receiving a compliment. The structure often pairs with 試吓 or 講 to emphasize the specific action being avoided.
Related words
Common phrases
I don't deserve this (polite response to praise)
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 唔敢 to mean 'not willing' or 'not wanting', but it specifically implies a lack of nerve or fear of consequences. Use 唔想 if you simply lack the desire to do something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
