sin6 baa6 gam1 jau1善罷甘休善罢甘休
Jyutpingsin6 baa6 gam1 jau1
Yalesihn bah gām yāu
Definition
To leave a matter at that; to willingly let things go or accept a situation.
neutralother
How it's used
Used almost exclusively in the negative form to describe someone who refuses to drop a grievance or accept a loss. It carries a strong sense of persistence or even stubbornness in seeking justice or revenge. While it originates from formal Chinese, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to describe intense conflicts or disputes.
Examples
They caused such a huge mess, how could they possibly just let it go?
This matter won't be settled so easily; we must pursue it to the end.
Related words
Common phrases
absolutely refuse to let it go
how could one possibly let it go
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb meaning to quit, but it specifically implies a refusal to accept an unfavorable outcome. It is not used to describe giving up on a hobby or a task, only for situations involving conflict or unresolved issues.
Grammar color guide
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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.
