san1 bat1 jau4 gei2身不由己
Jyutpingsan1 bat1 jau4 gei2
Yalesān bāt yàuh géi
Definition
To do something against one's own will or control due to external circumstances or one's social status.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of resignation or helplessness regarding external pressures. It is frequently used to describe professional obligations or social expectations that force someone to act against their personal desires. It often implies that the person is trapped by their circumstances or social role.
Examples
He feels he has no control over his life in this job.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
