bat1 jat1 wui6不一會不一会
Jyutpingbat1 jat1 wui6
Yalebāt yāt wuih
Definition
Soon; after a very short time.
writtentime
How it's used
Literary in origin, this term is frequently used in written Cantonese or formal storytelling to describe a brief passage of time. In everyday spoken Cantonese, people often prefer more natural alternatives like 冇幾耐 or 唔使一陣. Using it in casual conversation can sometimes sound slightly dramatic or like you are narrating a story.
Examples
He fell asleep not long after sitting down.
Wait a moment, I will be finished in no time.
Related words
Common phrases
a short while
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 唔使一陣, which is a common spoken phrase meaning 'it won't take long'. While they share a similar meaning, 不一會 carries a more formal or narrative tone that feels out of place in very casual, rapid-fire speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
