bat1 min4 bat1 jau1不眠不休
Jyutpingbat1 min4 bat1 jau1
Yalebāt mìhn bāt yāu
Definition
To work tirelessly on something without rest or sleep.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of intense dedication or extreme exhaustion, often used to describe someone working under high pressure or deadline constraints. It implies a total sacrifice of personal comfort for a specific goal. While it sounds slightly more formal than everyday speech, it is frequently used in casual conversation to emphasize how hard someone is working.
Examples
He has been working nonstop for two days to finish the job.
Related words
Common phrases
working nonstop
working without rest
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of insomnia, but it is specifically about active, purposeful effort. Do not use this to describe someone who simply cannot fall asleep due to medical reasons, as that would be 失眠.
Grammar color guide
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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.
