jan2 m4 zyu6忍唔住
Jyutpingjan2 m4 zyu6
Yaleyán m̀h jyuh
Definition
Cannot help but; unable to resist or control an urge.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Focus on the internal struggle of suppressing a strong urge or emotion before it inevitably breaks through. It is frequently followed by a verb describing the action that was finally taken, such as 喊, 笑, or 食. The structure is inherently negative, emphasizing the failure of self-control rather than the act of resisting itself.
Examples
Why couldn't you help but laugh?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔忍得, which describes a personality trait of being impatient or intolerant, whereas 忍唔住 describes a specific instance of failing to hold back a sudden impulse.
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.
