mei6 bit1未必
Jyutpingmei6 bit1
Yalemeih bīt
Definition
Not necessarily; may not.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Expresses a degree of uncertainty or doubt about a future event or a current situation. It is softer and more indirect than saying 唔會, which implies a definite negative outcome. Use it when you want to sound polite or cautious rather than blunt.
Examples
This shop might not be good, think it over first.
He might not come back today, don't wait for him.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 唔一定, which is a direct synonym but functions more like a predicate. While 唔一定 can stand alone as a response to a question, 未必 usually requires a verb or clause to follow it to complete the thought.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
