dou3 cyu3到處到处
Jyutpingdou3 cyu3
Yaledou chyu
Definition
Everywhere; all around.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Although 到處 is understood in Hong Kong, it is considered a formal or written term that rarely appears in natural speech. Native speakers almost exclusively use 周圍 to express the concept of everywhere or all around. Using 到處 in daily conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a news report.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use 到處 because it is the first word taught in textbooks, but it sounds stiff and unnatural. Stick to 周圍 for all spoken contexts to sound more like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
