jat1 mei6一味
Jyutpingjat1 mei6
Yaleyāt meih
Definition
Constantly; solely; to do nothing but one thing persistently.
colloquialdescriptionsdaily actions
How it's used
Carries a slightly critical or impatient tone, implying that the subject is stuck in a repetitive or narrow-minded pattern of behavior. It functions similarly to 'just' or 'only' but emphasizes a lack of variety or a failure to consider other options. It is often used to describe someone who is being stubborn or failing to adapt to a situation.
Examples
He is obsessed with playing and ignores his family completely.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 一味兒 in Mandarin, which can sometimes imply a sense of 'all along' or 'entirely'. In Cantonese, it specifically highlights the repetitive, singular focus of an action, often with a negative connotation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
