bit1 bat1 ho2 siu2必不可少
Jyutpingbit1 bat1 ho2 siu2
Yalebīt bāt hó síu
Definition
Indispensable; absolutely necessary and not to be missed.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This expression is a formal four-character idiom that is frequently used in both written and spoken Cantonese to emphasize necessity. While it sounds slightly more sophisticated than plain spoken phrases like 一定要, it is perfectly acceptable in professional or serious conversation. It carries a stronger sense of being essential compared to just being important.
Examples
This document is indispensable for the meeting.
What do you think is a must when going on a trip?
Related words
Common phrases
an indispensable part
an essential element
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this as a verb, but it functions as an adjective. Ensure you include 係 before it when describing a noun, such as 呢樣嘢係必不可少.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
