dou1 hai6都係都系
Definition
Also; still; anyway. Used to indicate that a situation remains the same or a choice is preferred despite other factors.
How it's used
Beyond meaning also, this phrase frequently functions as a way to express a final decision or a reluctant agreement after weighing options. It often carries a sense of settling for something or concluding that a specific path is the most reasonable choice. When used this way, it can imply that you have reconsidered and decided to stick with a previous plan or accept a suggestion.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the simple adverb 都, which just means both or all. Unlike the simple adverb, 都係 can function as a modal expression to indicate a change of mind or a final resolution, which is a nuance that does not exist in the Mandarin equivalent.
Grammar color guide
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.
