nam2 m4 dou2諗唔到谂唔到
Jyutpingnam2 m4 dou2
Yalenám m̀h dóu
Definition
Unable to think of or come up with an idea; unexpected or unforeseen.
- unable to think of; cannot come up with an idea
- unexpected; unforeseen; never thought of
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
This phrase is the standard way to express a mental block or a genuine surprise at an outcome. It functions as a verb phrase that can describe both a lack of ideas and a state of being caught off guard. When used to express surprise, it often carries a tone of disbelief or shock.
Examples
I really have no idea how to answer this question.
I never thought you would actually come, I'm so surprised!
Related words
Common phrases
cannot think of how to do it
cannot think of that many
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 唔知, which means 'I don't know' as in lacking information. Use 諗唔到 when you cannot come up with an idea or solution, or when you are surprised by an event.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
