bat1 ji4不宜
Jyutpingbat1 ji4
Yalebāt yìh
Definition
Inappropriate, unsuitable, or inadvisable; should not.
writtendescriptionshealth
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or advisory tone compared to the more common 唔好. It is frequently seen in public notices, health advice, or formal warnings where a sense of objective caution is required. While it functions as a verb, it is rarely used in casual, rapid-fire speech, where speakers would prefer 唔應該 or 唔好.
Examples
This place is small, it is not appropriate to speak loudly.
The patient is weak, it is not advisable to eat so much cold food.
Common phrases
not suitable for consumption
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a direct translation of 'should not' in every context. It is specifically used for situations where an action is ill-advised due to circumstances, rather than a moral prohibition or a simple refusal.
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.
