kit3 ji4 bat1 se2鍥而不捨锲而不舍
Jyutpingkit3 ji4 bat1 se2
Yalekit yìh bāt sé
Definition
To persevere; to work with persistence and never give up.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a formal and literary tone, often used in written contexts or serious speeches to praise someone's strong willpower. While it conveys the meaning of persistence, it is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation where people would prefer simpler phrases like 堅持到底 or 唔放棄.
Examples
He works with great perseverance, which is worth learning from.
Facing difficulties, we must persist and never give up.
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of perseverance
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this as a direct verb in casual speech, but it functions more like an adverbial phrase or a descriptive idiom. Using it to describe trivial daily tasks, such as finishing a meal or finding a lost pen, sounds overly dramatic and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
