daai6 waak6 bat1 gaai2大惑不解
Jyutpingdaai6 waak6 bat1 gaai2
Yaledaaih waahk bāt gáai
Definition
Greatly puzzled, deeply confused, or unable to understand.
writtendescriptionsemotion
How it's used
This is a formal idiom that stands out in spoken Cantonese because it sounds quite literary compared to everyday expressions like 唔明 or 搞唔掂. It is often used in writing or when someone wants to emphasize a high level of confusion or disbelief about a situation. Using it in casual conversation can make you sound like you are quoting a book or trying to be overly dramatic.
Examples
After he finished explaining that, I was truly puzzled.
Why are you so confused?
Related words
Common phrases
to make someone feel greatly puzzled
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb phrase, but it is an adjective describing a state of mind. You cannot use it with aspect markers like 咗 or 緊, so avoid saying 大惑不解咗.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
