daan6 faan4但凡
Definition
Without exception; any, every, or all, usually introducing a condition.
How it's used
Focuses on the absolute nature of a condition, implying that the following result is inevitable for every single instance. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to everyday speech, often appearing in warnings, rules, or emphatic statements about habits. It functions similarly to a universal quantifier, emphasizing that no exceptions exist within the scope of the statement.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a simple conjunction like 只要, but it carries a stronger sense of 'every single time' or 'without exception' rather than just a conditional 'if'. It is rarely used in casual, spontaneous conversation and can sound overly rigid if used to describe minor, non-habitual events.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
