fui3 bat1 dong1 co1悔不當初悔不当初
Jyutpingfui3 bat1 dong1 co1
Yalefui bāt dōng chō
Definition
To regret not having acted differently in the past; to bitterly regret one's past actions or inaction.
writtenemotion
How it's used
This is a formal idiom often used in a slightly dramatic or literary tone to emphasize deep, lingering regret over a past decision. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences when someone is reflecting on a major life mistake. It carries a heavier emotional weight than simply saying 後悔.
Examples
If I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have resigned; now I regret it so much.
Related words
Common phrases
to end up in a state of deep regret
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it functions more like an adjective or a descriptive state. Avoid using it to describe minor regrets, like ordering the wrong dish at a restaurant, as it is reserved for significant life choices.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
