mei6 dak1 zi6未得自
Jyutpingmei6 dak1 zi6
Yalemeih dāk jih
Definition
Not yet; not yet working, ready, or completed.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This phrase specifically emphasizes the inability to perform an action due to external circumstances or technical issues. It functions as a combination of 未 (not yet) and 得 (able to) followed by the verb, indicating that the conditions for success are not yet met. It is distinct from simply saying 唔得, which often implies a flat refusal or a permanent inability.
Examples
Is the printer fixed and ready to use yet?
Related words
Common phrases
not yet ready for use
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 未得, which can mean 'not allowed' or 'not yet obtained'. Ensure the verb follows immediately to clarify that you are talking about the inability to perform an action.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
