dung2 dak1懂得
Jyutpingdung2 dak1
Yaledúng dāk
Definition
To know, understand, or realize.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
While 懂得 implies a learned skill or a deeper realization, it is often interchangeable with 識 in casual speech. Using 識 is generally more natural for everyday tasks like knowing how to drive or speak a language. 懂得 carries a slightly more mature or formal nuance, often describing an emotional understanding or a developed capability.
Examples
He knew how to take care of his family from a very young age.
Related words
Common phrases
to know how to be grateful
to know how to show respect
Common mistake
Learners often use 懂得 when they simply mean to be acquainted with a person or a place, but 識 should be used for familiarity with people or locations 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.
