jat1 bat1 siu2 sam1一不小心

Jyutpingjat1 bat1 siu2 sam1

Yaleyāt bāt síu sām

Definition

Accidentally; through a momentary slip or lack of care.

colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions

How it's used

Functions as an adverbial phrase to describe an action performed unintentionally or due to a momentary lapse in focus. It often implies a sense of regret or surprise regarding the outcome of the action. While it can be used to describe past mistakes, it is also frequently used in conditional structures to warn someone about potential future mishaps.

Examples

ngo5我jat1一bat1不siu2小sam1心zau6就daa2打laan6爛zo2咗go3個bui1杯。

I accidentally broke the cup.

nei5你jat1一bat1不siu2小sam1心wui2會m4唔wui2會dit3跌can1親aa1呀？

Will you fall if you are not careful?

Related words

Common phrases

jat1一bat1不siu2小sam1心zau6就

end up accidentally doing something

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 唔小心, which is an adjective meaning careless. Use 一不小心 to describe the moment an accident happens, whereas 唔小心 describes a person's general state or trait.