dou1都
Jyutpingdou1
Yaledōu
Definition
Also or too; used to express addition or emphasis.
- also; too; as well
- all; both; without exception
- even (used for emphasis, often with 'lin')
- already
Example
colloquialparticle
How it's used
Placing this word correctly is essential because it must immediately follow the subject or the noun it modifies. Unlike English where 'too' often sits at the end of a sentence, Cantonese speakers put it before the verb or adjective to emphasize the inclusion of the subject in the action or state. When used to mean 'all' or 'both', it often pairs with 晒 to emphasize completeness.
Examples
He likes eating at this restaurant too.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to put this at the end of a sentence like in English, but it must be placed before the verb or adjective to sound natural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
