bat1 ham1 cit3 soeng2不堪設想不堪设想

Jyutpingbat1 ham1 cit3 soeng2

Yalebāt hām chit séung

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

Too fearful or dreadful to contemplate; unimaginable.

writtendescriptionsother

How it's used

Focuses on the severity of potential future outcomes rather than current states. It is almost exclusively used in negative contexts involving danger, disaster, or extreme misfortune. The phrase carries a heavy, serious tone that is rarely used in casual or lighthearted conversation.

Examples

jyu4如gwo2果faat3發sang1生ji3意ngoi6外，hau6後gwo2果zan1真hai6係bat1不ham1堪cit3設soeng2想。

If an accident happens, the consequences would be too awful to imagine.

nam2諗hei2起go2嗰go3個cing4情fong3況，zan1真hai6係bat1不ham1堪cit3設soeng2想aa4呀。

Thinking about that situation, it is truly too terrifying to contemplate.

Common phrases

hau6後gwo2果bat1不ham1堪cit3設soeng2想

the consequences are too awful to contemplate

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use it to describe something that is simply surprising or unexpected, but it must be reserved for situations that are genuinely catastrophic or fearful.