cung4 bat1從不从不
Jyutpingcung4 bat1
Yalechùhng bāt
Definition
Never; not at any time.
neutraldaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
While 從不 is understood in Cantonese, speakers overwhelmingly prefer the phrase 從來唔會 or simply 唔會 to express the concept of never. Using 從不 sounds slightly more formal or literary, often appearing in written contexts or when someone wants to emphasize a firm, unchanging principle or habit. It carries a stronger sense of absolute negation compared to the more casual 唔會.
Examples
I never drink coffee because it makes my heart race after drinking it.
He never arrives late, he is really punctual.
Common mistake
Learners often overuse 從不 in casual daily conversation where it sounds stiff or overly dramatic. It is much more natural to use 從來唔會 or 永遠唔會 when speaking with friends or family.
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.
