dim2 bat1 zi1點不知点不知
Jyutpingdim2 bat1 zi1
Yaledím bāt jī
Definition
Unexpectedly; to one's surprise; who would have thought.
colloquialdaily actionscommunication
How it's used
Functions as an emphatic way to express surprise at a turn of events or a realization that contradicts previous expectations. It carries a stronger sense of irony or disbelief than simply using 點知. Often used to introduce a fact that the speaker finds unexpected or frustrating.
Examples
Who would have thought he had already left early.
Related words
Common phrases
who would have thought that actually
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 點知, which is neutral and simply means 'who knew'. 點不知 carries a heavier emotional weight of regret or shock regarding the outcome.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
