zo6 si6 bat1 lei5坐視不理坐视不理
Jyutpingzo6 si6 bat1 lei5
Yalejoh sih bāt léih
Definition
To sit by and watch without helping; to remain indifferent or turn a blind eye.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of moral condemnation, implying that the person or entity has a duty to act but chooses to remain passive. It is frequently used in news reports or formal complaints to criticize authorities or bystanders for their lack of intervention. While it sounds formal, it is widely used in daily speech to express frustration at someone's cold-hearted indifference.
Examples
How can you just sit by and do nothing when you see others in trouble?
This matter is so serious that the government absolutely cannot just stand by and watch.
Related words
Common phrases
absolutely cannot sit by and do nothing
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply watching something happen, as it specifically implies a failure to fulfill a responsibility to help. It is not used for neutral situations where you are merely observing without the expectation of intervention.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
