dong3 zok3當作当作
Definition
To treat, regard, or take something as.
How it's used
Focuses on the subjective act of categorizing or perceiving one thing as another, often implying that the perception might not align with reality. It is frequently used in the structure 將某樣嘢當作係某樣嘢 to clarify how someone is interpreting a situation or a person's role. While it can be used formally, it is very common in everyday speech to express feelings of being misunderstood or to describe how someone is misinterpreting an event.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 當, which can also mean to treat as or to work as. While they are often interchangeable, 當作 emphasizes the act of 'making' or 'taking' something as something else, whereas 當 is more versatile and can also mean 'to be' or 'to serve as' in a professional capacity.
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.
