si4 bat1 ngo5 jyu5時不我與时不我与
Jyutpingsi4 bat1 ngo5 jyu5
Yalesìh bāt ngóh yúh
Definition
Time and tide wait for no man; time will not wait for us.
writtentimeother
How it's used
Carries a sense of urgency or regret regarding missed opportunities. It is a formal idiom often used in written contexts or serious speech rather than casual daily conversation. Using it in a lighthearted situation can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Examples
Opportunities are rare and time waits for no one, make a decision quickly.
Facing the dilemma that time is running out, he has no way to deal with it.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say 'I am busy' or 'I have no time'. It specifically refers to the external, unstoppable flow of time working against one's goals, rather than a personal lack of time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
