naan4 dou6難道难道
Jyutpingnaan4 dou6
Yalenàahn douh
Definition
Could it be that, or is it possible that; used to add emphasis to a rhetorical question.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
Used primarily to introduce a rhetorical question that expresses disbelief or suspicion. It carries a stronger sense of skepticism than a simple question, often implying the speaker is hoping the answer is negative. While 難道 is the written form, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 唔通 in spoken interactions.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 難道 in casual speech, which sounds unnatural and overly formal. Stick to 唔通 to sound like a local.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
