fei1 ……bat1 ho2非……不可
Jyutpingfei1 ……bat1 ho2
Yalefēi ……bāt hó
Definition
Must; have to; nothing else but the specified action or thing will do.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
This structure emphasizes a strong sense of necessity or an unavoidable outcome. It carries a more dramatic or determined tone than simply using 要 or 必須. It is often used when expressing a personal resolve or a situation where no other alternative is acceptable.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to insert extra words between the non-negated verb and the final 不可, but the structure is fixed. Ensure the verb or action immediately follows the first part of the pattern.
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.
