gou1 bat1 ho2 paan1高不可攀
Jyutpinggou1 bat1 ho2 paan1
Yalegōu bāt hó pāan
Definition
Too high to reach; unattainable or unapproachable.
- too high to reach; physically unattainable
- figurativeunapproachable; aloof; high and mighty
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How it's used
Used primarily to describe social status or unrealistic expectations rather than physical height. It carries a sense of distance or elitism, suggesting that the person or goal is far beyond the reach of ordinary people. It is a formal idiom often used in a slightly dramatic or exaggerated tone to emphasize the impossibility of a situation.
Examples
go2嗰wai6位daai6大ming4明sing1星zan1真hai6係gou1高bat1不ho2可paan1攀，ngo5我dei6哋pou2普tung1通jan4人dim2點wui6會gin3見dou3到keoi5佢aa4呀？
That superstar is truly unattainable, how would ordinary people like us ever see them?
The goals they set are simply unattainable, no one can achieve them at all.
Related words
Common phrases
the goal is unattainable
status is out of reach
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this to describe physical objects like a tall building or a mountain. While it can be used metaphorically for physical things, it is almost exclusively reserved for people of high status or goals that are impossible to achieve.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
