ling6 dou3令到
Jyutpingling6 dou3
Yalelihng dou
Definition
To lead to, cause, or bring about a certain result or consequence.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a causative verb that bridges a cause and an outcome. It is frequently used to describe emotional states or situational changes resulting from a specific action or event. Unlike some other verbs, it acts as a fixed unit that cannot be modified by aspect markers like 咗, 緊, or 過.
Examples
The hot weather makes me lose my appetite.
Related words
Common phrases
make someone feel very awkward
cause the situation to worsen
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly add aspect markers to the verb, such as saying 令到咗. Since it is a causative construction, the aspect marker should instead be applied to the verb that follows the object, or omitted entirely if the context is clear.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
