si6 daan6是但
Jyutpingsi6 daan6
Yalesih daahn
Definition
Whatever, as you please; or to do something carelessly, casually, or in a slapdash manner.
- whatever; as you please; any option is fine
- carelessly; casually; in a slapdash or slovenly manner
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a nuance of indifference or lack of effort, often implying that the speaker is willing to accept any outcome because they do not care about the specifics. It is frequently used to express a 'whatever' attitude when someone asks for an opinion or choice. While it can mean 'careless' in a negative sense, it is also a standard way to say 'anything will do' in a neutral, relaxed social context.
Examples
Don't just pick something at random to hand in.
What should we eat tonight? Whatever, you decide.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the Mandarin term 隨便. While they share similar meanings, 是但 is strictly colloquial Cantonese and should not be used in formal writing or professional settings where a more precise term like 隨意 is required.
Grammar color guide
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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.
