wai4 jau5唯有
Jyutpingwai4 jau5
Yalewàih yáuh
Definition
To have no alternative or choice but to do something less than ideal.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
Expresses a sense of resignation or settling for a suboptimal outcome when all other options have been exhausted. It often carries a tone of mild disappointment or forced acceptance, distinguishing it from simply stating a plan. It is frequently paired with sentence final particles like 囉 or 啦 to emphasize this feeling of having no other path forward.
Examples
It is pouring with rain, so I have no choice but to stay home.
Related words
Common phrases
have no choice but to do it this way
have no choice but to accept
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe a positive or proactive choice, as it specifically implies that the speaker would prefer to do something else if they could. It is not a direct translation for simply deciding to do something.
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.
