bat1 zi2不只
Jyutpingbat1 zi2
Yalebāt jí
Definition
Not only; used to introduce a statement that adds to or intensifies a previous one.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 唔止 instead of the formal 不只 in spoken communication. It functions as a conjunction to introduce an additional point, frequently paired with 仲 or 仲有 to emphasize the progression. Using the formal version in casual settings can sound overly stiff or like reading from a textbook.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the written form 不只 in speech, which sounds unnatural. Remember to use the colloquial 唔止 to maintain a conversational tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
