han6 bat1 dak1恨不得
Jyutpinghan6 bat1 dak1
Yalehahn bāt dāk
Definition
To eagerly wish for something to happen as soon as possible.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
Expresses an intense, almost impatient desire for a situation to change or a specific outcome to materialize. It is often used to describe feelings of frustration or extreme eagerness where the speaker feels held back by reality. While it can be used for positive wishes, it frequently appears in contexts involving annoyance or a desire for someone else to face consequences.
Examples
I wish I could fly to Japan for a vacation right now.
You really wish he would leave soon, don't you?
Related words
Common phrases
wish immediately
wish as soon as possible
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal expression of hatred, but it is primarily about the intensity of a wish rather than the emotion of hate itself. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings as it carries a strong, emotive, and informal tone.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
