noi6奈

Jyutpingnoi6

Yalenoih

Uncommon

Definition

To cope with, bear, or endure; how can one help.

to cope with; to deal with; to do something about
to bear; to endure

colloquialemotiondescriptions

How it's used

Primarily appears in the fixed phrase 奈何, which expresses a sense of helplessness or resignation. It is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese, except in the specific construction 奈唔何, which functions as a set phrase meaning to be unable to do anything against someone.

Examples

keoi5佢gam3咁joeng2樣deoi3對ngo5我，ngo5我dou1都noi6奈keoi5佢m4唔ho4何。

He treats me this way, but there is nothing I can do about it.

nei5你gam3咁joeng2樣zou6做，giu3叫jan4人dim2點noi6奈dak1得zyu6住aa4呀？

How can anyone endure it when you act like this?

Common phrases

noi6奈ho4何

helplessly

noi6奈m4唔ho4何

cannot do anything about it

Common mistake

Learners often mistake it for a generic verb for endure, but it is almost exclusively used in negative constructions to express powerlessness. Avoid using it as a direct synonym for 忍受, as it carries a stronger nuance of being trapped by circumstances.