mou4 ho2 noi6 ho4無可奈何无可奈何

Jyutpingmou4 ho2 noi6 ho4

Yalemòuh hó noih hòh

形容詞Common

Definition

To have no alternative or choice; to feel helpless and have to accept a situation.

neutralemotiondescriptions

How it's used

This expression carries a strong sense of resignation and lack of agency in a situation. It is often used to describe a state of mind where one is forced to accept an outcome despite being unhappy with it. While it functions as an adjective, it is frequently paired with 噉 to act as an adverbial modifier for actions taken under duress.

Examples

keoi5佢mou4無ho2可noi6奈ho4何gam2噉jiu4搖jiu2搖tau4頭。

He shook his head in helplessness.

min6面deoi3對ni1呢go3個git3結gwo2果，nei5你zung6仲jau5有me1咩mou4無ho2可noi6奈ho4何aa4呀？

Facing this result, what else can you feel helpless about?

Common phrases

mou4無ho2可noi6奈ho4何gam2噉zip3接sau6受

to accept helplessly

jat1一lim5臉mou4無ho2可noi6奈ho4何

to have a look of helplessness

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of 'sad' or 'angry', but it specifically implies a lack of options or control. It is not used to describe a person who is simply lazy or unwilling to act.