joek6 bat1 gam1 fung1弱不禁風弱不禁风

Jyutpingjoek6 bat1 gam1 fung1

Yaleyeuhk bāt gām fūng

形容詞

Definition

Physically weak and fragile, as if unable to withstand even a gust of wind.

colloquialbodyhealth

How it's used

Typically used to describe someone who appears sickly or physically delicate, often implying a lack of stamina or robustness. While it originates from classical literary Chinese, it is frequently used in modern Cantonese to exaggerate someone's lack of strength in a slightly dramatic or humorous tone. It is rarely used to describe someone who is simply thin but healthy.

Examples

keoi5佢beng6病jyun4完zi1之hau6後joek6弱bat1不kam1禁fung1風，haang4行lou6路dou1都zan3震。

After being sick, he is so frail that he trembles when walking.

nei5你tai2睇keoi5佢joek6弱bat1不kam1禁fung1風gam3咁，dim2點bun1搬dak1得juk1郁ni1呢di1啲cung5重je5嘢aa4呀？

Look at how frail he is, how could he possibly move these heavy things?

Common phrases

tai2睇lok6落joek6弱bat1不kam1禁fung1風

looks frail

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe someone who is just slim or slender, as it specifically carries a connotation of poor health or lack of vitality. It is not a polite way to describe someone's physique unless you are intentionally highlighting their weakness.