gei2 daai2 dou1幾大都几大都
Jyutpinggei2 daai2 dou1
Yalegéi dáai dōu
Definition
No matter what; anyway; by all means.
colloquialdaily actionsemotion
How it's used
This phrase carries a strong sense of determination or stubbornness, implying that the speaker has already made up their mind regardless of potential obstacles or objections. It is often used to justify an action that others might find risky, expensive, or unnecessary. The structure is almost always followed by a verb phrase that expresses the intended action.
Examples
I have to wake up early tomorrow at all costs, I cannot be late.
Related words
Common phrases
must go no matter what
must buy at all costs
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 幾大, which can mean 'how big' or 'how old'. Ensure you include the particle 都 to convey the 'no matter what' meaning, otherwise the sentence will sound like a question about size or age.
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.
