ceoi2 zi1 bat1 zeon6取之不盡取之不尽
Jyutpingceoi2 zi1 bat1 zeon6
Yalechéui jī bāt jeuhn
Definition
Inexhaustible; limitless; an endless supply.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
This idiom is borrowed from classical Chinese and retains a formal, literary tone even when used in spoken Cantonese. It is most frequently applied to natural resources, energy, or abstract concepts like knowledge, rather than physical objects like money or food. Using it in casual conversation can sound slightly dramatic or overly academic.
Examples
The resources here are truly inexhaustible.
Related words
Common phrases
inexhaustible resources
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe physical items that are simply 'plentiful' or 'abundant', such as a large stock of stationery. It is reserved for things that are theoretically infinite or never-ending, so applying it to everyday objects sounds hyperbolic or unnatural.
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.
