bat1 lau4不留
Jyutpingbat1 lau4
Yalebāt làuh
Definition
Strict; relentless; not sparing or leaving anything behind.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes a person who is uncompromising, harsh, or lacks leniency in their dealings with others. It carries a negative connotation of being overly rigid or cold-hearted in social or professional interactions. Unlike formal terms for strictness, this implies a deliberate choice to withhold kindness or flexibility.
Examples
He is very strict in his work and gives no face to anyone.
Do you have to be so uncompromising? We are all colleagues here.
Related words
Common phrases
not showing any mercy or face
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the literal meaning of not leaving something behind, but in Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used to describe a person's harsh or unyielding attitude.
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.
