bat1 jin4不然
Jyutpingbat1 jin4
Yalebāt yìhn
Definition
Otherwise; if not; or else.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Although the headword is written as 不然, it is almost exclusively pronounced and written as 唔係 in spoken Cantonese. Using the formal written form in casual conversation sounds unnatural and overly stiff. It functions as a conditional conjunction that implies a negative consequence if the preceding action is not taken.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use the Mandarin-style 不然 in speech, which sounds very out of place. Always prefer 唔係 for natural, everyday communication.
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.
