siu2 bat1 min5少不免
Jyutpingsiu2 bat1 min5
Yalesíu bāt míhn
Definition
Unavoidably; cannot help but.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the inevitability of a negative or taxing outcome resulting from a specific situation. It carries a slightly formal or literary weight compared to purely colloquial expressions, making it common in narrative descriptions or when explaining the logic behind a difficult circumstance.
Examples
Moving house involves so much clutter, it is unavoidable that some things will get broken.
When the two of them discuss business, they inevitably have to have a few drinks.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe personal choices or intentional actions. It is strictly reserved for outcomes that are naturally expected or difficult to prevent due to external factors.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
