daai6 tai2大體大体
Jyutpingdaai6 tai2
Yaledaaih tái
Definition
On the whole, generally, or roughly.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the general situation or the main points of an argument while intentionally ignoring minor details or exceptions. It carries a slightly formal or analytical tone, making it more common in professional discussions or structured debates than in casual small talk. When used in speech, it is almost always followed by the particle 上 to emphasize the scope of the assessment.
Examples
On the whole, this matter went quite smoothly.
Have you agreed with his plan on the whole yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean physically large or substantial, as that is a common confusion with Mandarin usage. In Cantonese, it strictly functions as an adverb for summarizing a situation rather than describing the size or bulk of an object.
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.
