zek3 zi6 bat1 tai4隻字不提只字不提
Jyutpingzek3 zi6 bat1 tai4
Yalejek jih bāt tàih
Definition
To avoid mentioning someone or something; to not say a single word about a matter.
neutralcommunicationother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of deliberate avoidance or suppression of information. It is often used to describe someone who is intentionally keeping quiet about a sensitive topic or a mistake they made. Unlike simply not talking about something, it implies a conscious choice to remain silent despite the subject being relevant.
Examples
He didn't mention that incident at all, as if it never happened.
Why haven't you said a single word about that plan?
Related words
Common phrases
to not mention something at all
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use this as a general way to say 'not talking', but it specifically implies a complete and intentional silence on a particular matter. It is not suitable for casual situations where you simply forgot to mention something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
