naan4 liu6難料难料
Jyutpingnaan4 liu6
Yalenàahn liuh
Definition
Unpredictable, unforeseeable, or hard to anticipate; typically used for unfortunate events.
neutraldescriptionstime
How it's used
Often carries a slightly philosophical or melancholic tone, frequently appearing in idioms or formal-leaning speech to reflect on the instability of life. While it functions as an adjective, it is most commonly found in fixed phrases like 世事難料 where it acts as a predicate. It emphasizes the impossibility of foresight rather than just simple uncertainty.
Examples
Life is unpredictable, who knows what will happen tomorrow?
Future developments are truly hard to predict.
Related words
Common phrases
the future is unpredictable
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple, trivial uncertainties like the weather or a bus schedule, as it is reserved for more significant, often negative or life-altering events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
