san4 bat1 zi1 gwai2 bat1 gok3神不知鬼不覺神不知鬼不觉
Jyutpingsan4 bat1 zi1 gwai2 bat1 gok3
Yalesàhn bāt jī gwái bāt gok
Definition
To do something in absolute secrecy without anyone knowing.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe actions performed with extreme stealth, often implying a clever or cunning plan. It carries a slightly dramatic tone, suggesting that the person involved has successfully bypassed all forms of detection, even supernatural ones. It is frequently used in contexts involving pranks, secret missions, or avoiding trouble.
Examples
He wanted to sneak away without anyone noticing.
How can you do this without anyone finding out?
Related words
Common phrases
in a way that is completely undetected
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'secretly', but it specifically emphasizes the total absence of witnesses or evidence. It is not appropriate for everyday secrets like a surprise party, as it implies a level of craftiness or deception.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
