bat1 zi1 ze2 bat1 zeoi6不知者不罪
Jyutpingbat1 zi1 ze2 bat1 zeoi6
Yalebāt jī jé bāt jeuih
Definition
Ignorance is an excuse; someone who does wrong without knowing any better should not be blamed or punished.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom is used as a plea for leniency when someone has unintentionally broken a rule or caused a minor offense. It functions as a standalone justification or a concluding remark to soften the blow of a mistake. While it sounds slightly formal due to its classical origins, it is frequently used in daily life to excuse social faux pas or procedural errors.
Examples
He didn't know the rules when he made the mistake, let it go, he didn't know any better.
I really didn't know I had to make a reservation, please forgive me as I was unaware.
Related words
Common phrases
ignorance is no crime
Common mistake
Do not use this to excuse serious negligence or illegal acts, as it will sound insincere or arrogant. It is strictly reserved for minor, accidental oversights where the person truly lacked the necessary information.
Grammar color guide
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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.
