syu3 bat1 fung6 pui4恕不奉陪

Jyutpingsyu3 bat1 fung6 pui4

Yalesyu bāt fuhng pùih

Definition

Excuse me but I cannot keep you company, or I beg to be excused from participating.

colloquialcommunication

How it's used

This phrase serves as a polite yet firm way to decline an invitation or excuse oneself from a situation. It carries a formal or slightly dramatic tone, often used when someone wants to distance themselves from an activity or conversation they find unappealing. While it sounds sophisticated, using it in casual settings can sometimes come across as sarcastic or overly theatrical.

Examples

gam1今maan5晚ngo5我jiu3要hoi1開OT，syu3恕bat1不fung6奉pui4陪laa3喇。

I have to work overtime tonight, so I'm afraid I can't join you.

nei5你dei6哋gai3繼zuk6續wun6玩laa1啦，ngo5我syu3恕bat1不fung6奉pui4陪。

You guys keep having fun, I'm going to excuse myself.

Common phrases

syu3恕bat1不fung6奉pui4陪

I must decline your invitation

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a standard apology, but it is specifically for declining company or participation. It should not be used to apologize for mistakes or accidents, as it implies a deliberate choice to withdraw rather than an expression of regret.