mou4 noi6無奈无奈
Jyutpingmou4 noi6
Yalemòuh noih
Definition
Unfortunately; regretfully happening because of unavoidable circumstances.
neutralemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Expresses a feeling of being forced to accept an undesirable situation due to circumstances beyond one's control. It carries a sense of resignation or helplessness that goes beyond a simple expression of regret. While often used as an adverb, it can also function as an adjective to describe a person's state of mind when they feel stuck.
Examples
I want to help you, but unfortunately I really have no money.
He helplessly accepted this arrangement.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 可惜, which focuses on the feeling of pity or regret about a missed opportunity. 無奈 implies a lack of choice or power to change the outcome, whereas 可惜 is more about the sadness of the result itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
