hou2 do1好多
Jyutpinghou2 do1
Yalehóu dō
Definition
Many, a lot, or most of something.
- many; a lot; a large quantity of
- most; the majority of
colloquialnumbersdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a quantifier that can modify both countable and uncountable nouns. It is significantly more common in spoken Cantonese than the formal 許多. When used to describe a majority, it often implies a sense of general consensus or common occurrence.
Examples
There are a lot of people queuing here.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for many in formal writing, where 許多 or 大量 are preferred. Also, do not confuse it with 好多時, which specifically means often or most of the time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
