cing4 bat1 zi6 gam3情不自禁
Jyutpingcing4 bat1 zi6 gam3
Yalechìhng bāt jih gam
Definition
Unable to suppress one's emotions; cannot help but do something.
writtenemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal four-character idiom that is often used in written Cantonese or more dramatic spoken contexts. While it describes an uncontrollable urge, it is frequently used in romantic or sentimental situations to express being overwhelmed by feelings. Using it in casual conversation can sound slightly poetic or intense compared to simpler phrases like 忍唔住.
Examples
Seeing how cute they are, I really can't help but want to hug them.
Did you fall for them and just couldn't help yourself?
Related words
Common phrases
could not help but laugh
could not help but shed tears
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it is an idiom that functions as an adverbial phrase. It should not be followed by a direct object without a verb, as it describes the state of being unable to resist an action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
