bat1 sing1 kei4 faan4不勝其煩不胜其烦
Definition
To be unable to bear a nuisance, or to be thoroughly fed up with endless menial tasks.
How it's used
This idiom carries a formal weight that contrasts with the typically casual nature of spoken Cantonese. It is often used to express a high level of exasperation that goes beyond simple annoyance, implying that the situation has reached a breaking point. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into sentences where you want to emphasize that your patience has been completely exhausted.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say you are annoyed, but it is much stronger and implies a sense of being overwhelmed or harassed by the persistence of the annoyance. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences, as it sounds overly dramatic in casual contexts.
Grammar color guide
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.
