bat1 liu6不料

Jyutpingbat1 liu6

Yalebāt liuh

動詞Rare

Definition

Unexpectedly; to one's surprise; to not foresee or predict.

writtenother

How it's used

Functions primarily as a formal conjunction in written Cantonese to introduce a sudden, contrary turn of events. While understood in speech, native speakers usually prefer more natural spoken alternatives like 點知 or 點估到 when telling stories or chatting. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a news report or a formal essay.

Examples

keoi5佢ceot1出mun4門hau2口go2嗰zan6陣tin1天hei3氣hou2好，bat1不liu6料bun3半lou2路lok6落daai6大jyu5雨。

The weather was good when he left, but unexpectedly it rained heavily halfway.

ngo5我ji5以wai4為keoi5佢wui2會daap3答jing3應，bat1不liu6料keoi5佢ging2竟jin4然waa6話m4唔dak1得。

I thought he would agree, but surprisingly he said no.

Common phrases

bat1不liu6料ging2竟jin4然

unexpectedly and surprisingly

Common mistake

Learners often mistake it for a verb that can be used alone, but it is a conjunction that requires a full clause to follow. It cannot be used to mean simply "I did not expect" without the subsequent clause describing the unexpected outcome.