m4 zi1 dou3唔知道

Jyutpingm4 zi1 dou3

Yalem̀h jī dou

Definition

To not know; to be unaware of.

colloquialdaily actionscommunication

How it's used

Often shortened to 唔知 in casual speech, which is more common than the full form. Using the full form 唔知道 can sound slightly more formal or emphatic, as if you are stressing your lack of knowledge. It is frequently used in questions to ask if someone is aware of a specific fact.

Examples

ngo5我zan1真hai6係m4唔zi1知dou3道dim2點gaai2解keoi5佢wui2會gam3咁zou6做。

I really don't know why he would do that.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知dou3道ting1聽jat6日gei2幾dim2點jiu3要faan1返gung1工aa4呀？

Do you know what time we need to go to work tomorrow?

Common phrases

jyun4完cyun4全m4唔zi1知dou3道

have absolutely no idea

m4唔zi1知dou3道dim2點syun3算

don't know what to do

Common mistake

Learners often confuse 唔知道 with 唔識. Use 唔知道 when you lack information or facts, whereas 唔識 is used when you lack a skill, ability, or do not know a person.