daai6 daai6 waa6 waa6大大話話大大话话
Jyutpingdaai6 daai6 waa6 waa6
Yaledaaih daaih wah wah
Definition
At least, as a rough estimate; approximately.
colloquialnumbersdescriptions
How it's used
Emphasizes that a quantity or duration is likely higher than the figure mentioned, often used to express surprise or to highlight a significant amount. It carries a slightly informal tone and is frequently paired with the particle 都 to reinforce the sense of a minimum threshold. Use it when you want to sound like you are making a conservative estimate about a large or impressive number.
Examples
He spent at least a few thousand dollars on stuff.
How many times have you revised this report, roughly speaking?
Related words
Common phrases
at the very least
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of 大話, which means a lie. Despite the shared characters, the reduplication in 大大話話 functions as an adverbial phrase for estimation and has nothing to do with dishonesty.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
