1

I am confused about how to construct (and understand) phrases that involve: 得 and its negative 唔得 with a verb.

Specifically, what is the difference between 唔得買,冇買得。

A corresponding confusion would be how to say the following in cantonese: wasn’t able to buy, don’t buy. Are there other patterns i should know?

Please suggest a definitive rule for this. Thanks

1 Answer 1

2

買 = buy

買[] = [can] buy (allowed to buy)

[]買[] = [can't] buy (not allowed to buy)

[冇得]買 = [not available] to buy

  • 冇買得 is ungrammatical

食 = eat

食[] = [can] eat (allowed to eat)

[]食[] = [can't] eat (not allowed to eat)

[冇得]食 = [not available] to eat

For "don't" it is "唔好"

Example:

唔好買貴嘢 = don't buy expensive stuff

唔好食太多鹽 = don't eat too much salt

Notice:

  • [唔好][食] = [don't][eat]

  • [唔][好食] = [not] [tasting good]

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.