bat1 daan1 zi2不單止不单止
Jyutpingbat1 daan1 zi2
Yalebāt dāan jí
Definition
Not only; typically used with "而且" or "仲" to mean "but also".
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as a conjunction to introduce an additional point, often emphasizing that the situation is worse or more extreme than first stated. It is frequently paired with 仲 or 而且 to complete the 'not only... but also' structure. While it is standard in formal writing, it is also very common in speech compared to its Mandarin counterpart.
Examples
Not only is he very smart, he is also very hardworking.
It is not only expensive here, but the food is also terrible.
Related words
Common phrases
bat1不daan1單zi2止...zung6仲...
not only... but also...
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it as a direct translation of 'not only' without adding the necessary follow-up clause starting with 仲 or 而且, which makes the sentence sound incomplete.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
