bik1 bat1 dak1 ji5迫不得已
Jyutpingbik1 bat1 dak1 ji5
Yalebīk bāt dāk yíh
Definition
Forced by circumstances to do something against one's will, having no other choice.
neutralemotionother
How it's used
Carries a sense of reluctance and helplessness, emphasizing that the action taken is against one's own desires. It is often used to justify or explain a decision that might otherwise be seen as negative or disappointing to others. Unlike simpler phrases, it implies that the individual has exhausted all other possibilities before arriving at this final, undesirable option.
Examples
He only resigned because he had no choice; he actually really likes his job.
Related words
Common phrases
under the circumstances of having no choice
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, trivial situations like choosing a snack or a movie, as it sounds overly dramatic and formal for minor decisions. It is reserved for significant dilemmas where one's hand is truly forced by circumstances.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
