bat1 ging1 ji3不經意不经意
Jyutpingbat1 ging1 ji3
Yalebāt gīng yi
Definition
Unintentionally, accidentally, or unconsciously; doing something without realizing.
neutraldescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
While this term is understood in Cantonese, it carries a slightly more literary or formal tone than the common spoken phrase 唔覺意. It is frequently used in written contexts, news reports, or when describing psychological states in a more descriptive manner. In casual daily speech, people almost always prefer 唔覺意 or 唔為意.
Examples
He unintentionally revealed a bit of worry while he was talking.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this in overly casual situations where 唔覺意 is much more natural. Additionally, avoid using it to describe deliberate actions that you simply want to pretend were accidental, as it implies a genuine lack of conscious intent.
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.
