ji6 bat1 jung4 ci4義不容辭义不容辞
Jyutpingji6 bat1 jung4 ci4
Yaleyih bāt yùhng chìh
Definition
To be duty-bound; a moral responsibility or duty that one cannot shrink from or refuse.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and serious tone, often used to express a sense of unwavering commitment to a cause or a request for help. It is typically reserved for significant situations rather than trivial daily tasks. Using it for minor favors can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.
Examples
This matter is a moral duty, I will definitely help.
Facing this difficulty, we are duty-bound to contribute.
Related words
Common phrases
an inescapable moral duty
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say I will help, but it specifically emphasizes moral obligation rather than just willingness. It is not a casual phrase for everyday assistance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.



