sai3 zoi6 bit1 hang4勢在必行势在必行
Jyutpingsai3 zoi6 bit1 hang4
Yalesai joih bīt hàhng
Definition
Imperative under the circumstances; unavoidable and must be done.
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How it's used
Used primarily in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe a situation where an action is unavoidable due to external pressure or logic. It carries a sense of inevitability and firm resolve, often appearing in news reports or serious discussions about policy changes. Unlike everyday casual speech where one might just say 冇辦法要咁做, this idiom adds a layer of gravity and strategic necessity.
Examples
This reform is absolutely imperative.
Facing this deadlock, what other choice is there besides doing what must be done?
Related words
Common phrases
reform is imperative
Common mistake
Avoid using this in casual, lighthearted conversation, as it sounds overly dramatic or stiff. It is not meant for minor personal decisions like choosing what to eat for lunch.
Grammar color guide
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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).



