jing3 zip3 bat1 haa6應接不暇应接不暇
Jyutpingjing3 zip3 bat1 haa6
Yaleying jip bāt hah
Definition
Too busy to attend to everything; overwhelmed by a rush of things or visitors.
writtenworkdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of being physically or mentally overwhelmed by a sudden influx of tasks or visitors. Unlike simple busyness, it specifically highlights the inability to keep pace with the sheer volume of incoming demands. It is frequently used in professional or formal contexts to describe high pressure situations.
Examples
I have been so busy with work lately that I cannot keep up, I am really tired.
He is responsible for so many things alone, how could he not be overwhelmed?
Related words
Common phrases
overwhelmed by work
overwhelming tasks
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general way to say busy, but it specifically implies a failure to cope with the rate of incoming requests. It is not suitable for describing a personal schedule that is merely full.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
