bat1 jat1 ding6不一定

Jyutpingbat1 jat1 ding6

Yalebāt yāt dihng

副詞

Definition

Not necessarily; not certain, indicating that two things might not have a logical relationship.

colloquialdescriptions

How it's used

Use this to express that a conclusion or outcome is not guaranteed by a specific condition. It functions as a modal adverb that softens a statement, allowing for exceptions or alternative possibilities. It is far more common in spoken Cantonese than the formal Mandarin-influenced equivalent.

Common phrases

m4唔jat1一ding6定hai6係

not necessarily is

mei6未bit1必jat1一ding6定

not necessarily certain

Common mistake

Avoid using it as a direct translation for maybe or perhaps. It specifically highlights the lack of a necessary link between two facts, rather than just expressing uncertainty about an event.