m4 se2 dak1唔捨得唔舍得
Jyutpingm4 se2 dak1
Yalem̀h sé dāk
Definition
To be reluctant to part with, leave behind, or use up.
- to be reluctant to part with, leave behind, or lose someone or something
- to grudge or hate to use or spend something
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Expresses a deep emotional attachment that makes letting go feel painful or difficult. It is frequently used for people, pets, or cherished possessions, but can also describe a hesitation to use something valuable, like saving a nice bottle of wine for a special occasion. The phrase captures a sense of sentimental value that goes beyond simple preference.
Examples
I really hate to see you go.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔想, which simply means 'do not want to'. While 唔想 is neutral and indicates a lack of desire, 唔捨得 implies a strong emotional bond or a sense of loss that makes the action difficult to carry out.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
