bat1 nang4 zi6 bat6不能自拔
Jyutpingbat1 nang4 zi6 bat6
Yalebāt nàhng jih baht
Definition
Irretrievably bogged down; deeply addicted or unable to extricate oneself from a situation.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This idiom describes a state of being trapped in a negative situation or habit, often involving emotional attachment or addiction. It carries a sense of helplessness, implying that the person is aware of the problem but lacks the strength to break free. It is frequently used in contexts involving romance, gambling, or unhealthy obsessions.
Examples
He is so addicted to gambling that he cannot stop.
Why did you get so deep into this that you can't pull yourself out?
Related words
Common phrases
to be trapped beyond recovery
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'busy' or 'occupied'. It specifically implies a loss of control or an inability to escape, so it should not be used for positive or neutral activities like being busy at work.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
