bat1 daan6不但
Jyutpingbat1 daan6
Yalebāt daahn
Definition
Not only; usually followed by "but also" or "and still" in the subsequent clause.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
While 不但 is a standard written term, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 唔止 in daily speech. It functions as a conjunction to link two related clauses, often paired with 仲 or 而且 to emphasize the second point. It is highly versatile and can be used to describe people, places, or situations with equal ease.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 不但 in spoken sentences where 唔止 is far more natural. Using the formal written version in casual conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or giving a formal presentation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
