zau2 m4 lat1走唔甩
Jyutpingzau2 m4 lat1
Yalejáu m̀h lāt
Definition
Unavoidable; a minimum cost, sacrifice, or consequence that one cannot escape paying for an action.
colloquialmoneydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the inevitability of a cost or consequence rather than just the price itself. It implies that even with careful planning or bargaining, there is a baseline amount that cannot be avoided. It is frequently used when discussing budgets, repairs, or service charges where a fixed minimum is expected.
Examples
You won't get away with paying less than a few hundred at that restaurant.
Common phrases
cannot get away with less than a few hundred dollars
cannot get away with less than a thousand dollars
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of running away. While it literally translates to cannot run away, it is almost exclusively used in the context of financial costs or unavoidable requirements.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
