dau2斗
Jyutpingdau2
Yaledáu
Definition
Small, or conversely, large.
- small; tiny
- large; big
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily in colloquial speech to emphasize that something is physically cramped or tiny in size. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the space or object is inconveniently small or insufficient for its intended purpose. It is distinct from 細, which is a neutral descriptor for size.
Examples
His room is so small that there is no space to walk after putting the bed in.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literary meaning of 斗 as a unit of measurement or a constellation. In everyday conversation, it is strictly used as an adjective for size, and using it in formal writing to mean small may be misunderstood.
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.
