muk6 bat1 sik1 ding1目不識丁目不识丁
Jyutpingmuk6 bat1 sik1 ding1
Yalemuhk bāt sīk dīng
Definition
To be completely illiterate.
writtenpeopleschool
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of pity or sometimes condescension when describing someone who lacks formal education. It is a formal, literary expression that contrasts sharply with the casual, spoken nature of everyday Cantonese. While it is widely understood, you will rarely hear it used in casual conversation unless the speaker is being deliberately dramatic or slightly mocking.
Examples
He didn't have the chance to go to school when he was young, so he is completely illiterate.
You think he is illiterate, but he is actually very clever.
Related words
Common phrases
completely illiterate
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply not good at reading or has poor reading comprehension. It specifically refers to someone who is completely unable to read or write any characters at all.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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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.
