liu5 bat1 hei2了不起
Jyutpingliu5 bat1 hei2
Yalelíuh bāt héi
Definition
Amazing, terrific, or outstanding.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
While 了不起 is understood in Cantonese, native speakers almost exclusively use 勁 or 叻 in daily speech to express admiration. 勁 carries a sense of raw power or impressive skill, whereas 叻 focuses more on intelligence or capability. Using 了不起 can sound slightly formal or like a direct translation from Mandarin.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 了不起 in casual conversation as it sounds stiff and unnatural. Stick to 勁 or 叻 for a more authentic Hong Kong sound.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
