fui3 bat1 dong1 co1悔不當初悔不当初

Jyutpingfui3 bat1 dong1 co1

Yalefui bāt dōng chō

語句

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

zou2早zi1知hai6係gam3咁，ngo5我zau6就m4唔wui2會ci4辭zik1職，gaau2搞dou3到ji4而gaa1家fui3悔bat1不dong1當co1初。

If I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have resigned; now I regret it so much.

nei5你dong1當co1初mou5冇teng1聽jan4人hyun3勸，ji4而gaa1家fui3悔bat1不dong1當co1初jau6又jau5有me1咩jung6用le1呢？

You didn't listen to advice back then, so what is the point of regretting it now?

Common phrases

gaau2搞dou3到fui3悔bat1不dong1當co1初

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.