dou1 si6都是
Jyutpingdou1 si6
Yaledōu sih
Definition
All are; both are.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Cantonese speakers rarely use the written form 都是 in speech, preferring the colloquial all-purpose adverb 都 followed by the verb 係. When emphasizing that everything or everyone is included, the word 全部 is typically placed before 都係 to provide clarity and natural rhythm. Using 都是 sounds like reading from a formal document or a textbook rather than engaging in a real conversation.
Related words
Common phrases
all are
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 都是 because it translates directly from Mandarin, but it sounds stiff and unnatural in spoken Cantonese. Always use 都係 to express that things or people 'all are' something.
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.
