daan1 hai6單係单系
Jyutpingdaan1 hai6
Yaledāan haih
Definition
Only, just, or solely.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Emphasizes that a single factor is sufficient to produce a specific outcome, often implying that the situation is extreme or burdensome. It frequently appears in sentences where the speaker highlights a specific part of a larger whole to show how significant or surprising that part is. It carries a slightly stronger sense of focus than just using 淨係.
Examples
Just walking home is enough to make my legs feel weak.
How can you have money if you just think about not working?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 淨係, but 單係 specifically highlights a single cause or condition that leads to a result, whereas 淨係 is more neutral and simply means only or merely.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Connector
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.
