bat1 ging2 hei3不景氣不景气
Jyutpingbat1 ging2 hei3
Yalebāt gíng hei
Definition
Depressed, in recession, or experiencing a downturn.
neutralmoneywork
How it's used
While this term is understood in Cantonese, it carries a slightly formal or journalistic tone that is more common in news reports or professional discussions than in casual banter between friends. When speaking informally about a bad economy, locals are more likely to use phrases like 市道差 or 經濟唔好. It functions as an adjective to describe the general state of a market or industry rather than the personal financial situation of an individual.
Related words
Common phrases
economic recession
sluggish market conditions
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe their personal lack of money or a bad mood, but it is strictly reserved for economic or business contexts. Use 冇錢 or 心情唔好 instead for personal circumstances.
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.
