cing1 hing1 dou6 dai6稱兄道弟称兄道弟
Jyutpingcing1 hing1 dou6 dai6
Yalechīng hīng douh daih
Definition
To call each other brothers; to be on very friendly or intimate terms.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom carries a nuance of informality that can sometimes border on being overly familiar or even insincere. It is frequently used to describe a relationship that has become close very quickly, or to call out someone who is trying to force a sense of camaraderie where it does not exist. While it literally refers to calling each other brothers, it is rarely used to describe actual biological siblings.
Examples
The two of them are always acting like brothers, just like real siblings.
Related words
Common phrases
a brotherly relationship
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual brothers or family members, as it specifically refers to the act of establishing a brotherhood between friends. Using it for real siblings sounds unnatural and confusing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
