naan4 bou2難保难保
Jyutpingnaan4 bou2
Yalenàahn bóu
Definition
To have no guarantee; cannot say for sure.
colloquialother
How it's used
Expresses a sense of uncertainty or skepticism about a future outcome. It functions as a warning or a way to hedge a statement, often implying that a negative result is possible despite current appearances. It is frequently used to introduce a counterpoint to someone else's optimism.
Examples
If he acts like this, there's no guarantee something won't go wrong later.
There's no guarantee that this plan will definitely succeed.
Related words
Common phrases
cannot guarantee that it won't happen
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal promise or a formal guarantee, but it is actually used to express doubt. Avoid using it to mean 'difficult to protect' as that is not its standard function in modern spoken Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
