dou2睹
Jyutpingdou2
Yaledóu
Definition
To look; to see; to witness.
writtendaily actions
How it's used
This character is a formal morpheme and is almost never used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese. It is primarily found in compound words like 目睹 or 睹物思人. When you want to express the act of looking or seeing in daily life, always use 睇 or 望 instead.
Examples
He witnessed the whole process with his own eyes.
Did you witness that car accident with your own eyes?
Related words
Common phrases
to witness
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a direct replacement for 睇 in casual conversation, which sounds extremely unnatural or overly literary. It is strictly reserved for formal writing or specific set phrases.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
