o1 nei4 to4 fat6阿彌陀佛阿弥陀佛

Jyutpingo1 nei4 to4 fat6

Yaleō nèih tòh faht

名詞Uncommon

Definition

Amitabha Buddha; an exclamation used to express pity, shock, or a wish for blessing.

Amitabha Buddha; a Buddhist chant for blessing or protection
an exclamation used when witnessing something tragic, shocking, or pitiful

colloquialemotionother

How it's used

Originally a Buddhist invocation, this phrase has evolved into a common interjection used to express shock, pity, or a wish for peace in the face of misfortune. It functions similarly to 'Oh my god' or 'Heaven help us' when encountering something distressing or unbelievable. Unlike its religious roots, its usage in daily speech is often secular and serves as a verbal sigh of empathy.

Examples

gin3見dou2到gam3咁caam2慘ge3嘅waa2畫min2面，zan1真hai6係o1阿nei1彌to4陀fat6佛。

Seeing such a tragic scene, I can only say Buddha have mercy.

o1阿nei1彌to4陀fat6佛，hei1希mong6望keoi5佢dei6哋ping4平on1安mou4無si6事laa1啦。

Buddha bless them, I hope they are safe and sound.

Common phrases

gong2講geoi3句o1阿nei1彌to4陀fat6佛

to say a prayer for someone

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase as a casual greeting or a way to say goodbye, as it is strictly reserved for expressing emotional reactions to sad or shocking situations.