bat1 ho2 gou3 jan4不可告人
Jyutpingbat1 ho2 gou3 jan4
Yalebāt hó gou yàhn
Definition
Secret, confidential, or hidden; unable to be revealed to others.
writtendescriptionscommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, serious tone often associated with scandals, illicit affairs, or shady dealings. It is rarely used for lighthearted surprises or harmless secrets like a birthday gift. When used, it implies that the information is potentially damaging or morally questionable if exposed.
Examples
They have some secrets between them that cannot be revealed.
Related words
Common phrases
an unspeakable secret
shady dealings
Common mistake
Learners often use this to describe any secret, but it is too dramatic for everyday situations. Use 秘密 for general secrets and reserve this idiom for matters that involve deception or hidden agendas.
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.
