dou3 si4到時到时
Jyutpingdou3 si4
Yaledou sìh
Definition
By then; when the time comes; at that time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Functions as a temporal marker to shift focus to a future point where a specific event or condition is realized. It is frequently paired with particles like 㗎 or 喇 to emphasize the inevitability of the outcome. It acts as a bridge between current planning and future execution.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean 'at that time' in the past, as it is strictly reserved for future events. For past events, use 嗰陣時 instead.
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.
