m4 dou3 nei5 m4唔到你唔

Jyutpingm4 dou3 nei5 m4

Yalem̀h dou néih m̀h

Definition

No choice but to; not up to you to refuse or deny.

colloquialdaily actionsother

How it's used

This expression uses a double negative structure to emphasize that a situation is inevitable or mandatory. It functions as a way to express resignation or the lack of agency in a specific circumstance. It is almost always used to highlight that external pressure or objective facts leave the speaker or listener with no room for refusal.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事zan1真hai6係m4唔dou3到nei5你m4唔seon3信。

You really have to believe this happened.

lou5老baan2闆waa6話jiu3要gaa1加baan1班，zan1真hai6係m4唔dou3到nei5你m4唔zou6做。

The boss said we have to work overtime, you really have no choice but to do it.

Common phrases

m4唔dou3到nei5你m4唔seon3信

you have to believe it

m4唔dou3到nei5你m4唔fuk6服

you have to accept it

Common mistake

Learners often try to translate the literal meaning word for word, but the phrase is a fixed idiomatic construction. It is important to remember that it is not a direct command but a statement about the lack of options.