bat1 keoi1不拘
Jyutpingbat1 keoi1
Yalebāt kēui
Definition
To not be restricted to; to not feel bound by; without limitation.
neutralother
How it's used
Often used in formal announcements or written notices to indicate that a specific requirement or restriction is waived. While it sounds slightly more formal than colloquial speech, it is frequently heard in professional or organized settings to express flexibility. It functions as a predicate indicating that a particular factor is not a condition for participation or choice.
Examples
This event is open to both men and women, everyone is welcome to join.
The venue for dinner doesn't matter, the most important thing is that everyone is happy.
Related words
Common phrases
open to both genders
no restriction on the format
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general way to say 'no limit' in any context, but it is specifically used for criteria, rules, or conditions. It is not suitable for describing physical quantities or time constraints, where terms like 冇限制 or 隨便 are more natural.
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.
