dong1 tong4當堂当堂
Jyutpingdong1 tong4
Yaledōng tòhng
Definition
Immediately or at once; often used before an adjective to emphasize an instant change.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on a sudden, transformative shift in state or atmosphere. It is almost exclusively paired with the aspect marker 晒 to emphasize the completeness of the change. The word creates a strong sense of immediacy that feels more visceral and reactive than neutral time adverbs like 即刻.
Examples
After drinking a cup of hot tea, I felt completely refreshed.
After he told that joke, the whole room went dead silent immediately.
Related words
Common phrases
instantly wide awake
immediately startled
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple actions like walking or eating. It is specifically reserved for describing a change in condition, feeling, or environment, usually following an adjective.
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.
