gong2 dou3 mei5講到尾讲到尾
Jyutpinggong2 dou3 mei5
Yalegóng dou méih
Definition
After all; in the final analysis; when all is said and done.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Functions as a discourse marker to signal that the speaker is distilling a long or complex argument down to its core essence. It carries a slightly informal, conversational tone, often used when the speaker feels the listener is overcomplicating things or missing the point. It is frequently placed at the very beginning of a sentence to frame the final conclusion.
Examples
After all, he just wants you to be happy.
When it all comes down to it, what exactly do you want?
Related words
Common phrases
when all is said and done, it is still
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal writing or professional reports, as it is strictly colloquial. It is not a direct translation of the English phrase "at the end of the day," which can sometimes be used in more formal contexts.
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.
