ding2 do1頂多顶多
Jyutpingding2 do1
Yaledíng dō
Definition
At most, at the very most, or at the absolute limit.
colloquialdescriptionsnumbers
How it's used
This adverb is frequently used to express a limit or a ceiling on an amount, time, or degree. It often carries a dismissive tone, implying that the actual value is likely even lower than the stated maximum. It is very common to add the particle 啫 at the end of the sentence to emphasize that the amount is small or insignificant.
Examples
He is only five minutes late at most.
Related words
Common phrases
at most it is just
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 至多, which can sometimes function as a synonym but is more formal. Using 頂多 in a formal written report might sound too casual, as it is primarily a spoken expression.
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.
