bat1 miu6不妙
Jyutpingbat1 miu6
Yalebāt miuh
Definition
Not looking good; fishy, wrong, or worrisome due to a likely problem.
colloquialdescriptionsemotion
How it's used
While often used in formal writing, this term is frequently adopted in spoken Cantonese to describe a sense of impending trouble or a bad omen. It carries a slightly more dramatic or serious weight than simply saying 唔對路. It is commonly used to express concern about a developing situation rather than just a minor inconvenience.
Related words
Common phrases
the situation is not looking good
to feel deeply that something is wrong
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔好, but 不妙 specifically describes a situation or an atmosphere that feels ominous or problematic, whereas 唔好 is a general term for bad or not good.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
