teoi1 dyun3推斷推断
Jyutpingteoi1 dyun3
Yaletēui dyun
Definition
To deduce, infer, or make a reasoned assumption based on clues.
neutralcommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or analytical contexts, such as police investigations, academic discussions, or logical reasoning. While it functions as a verb, it carries a weight of intellectual effort that makes it sound slightly stiff in casual, everyday conversation. People often prefer using simpler verbs like 估 or 諗 when talking about casual guesses or hunches.
Examples
Judging by his appearance, what can you deduce?
I infer that he probably won't come to work tomorrow.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 估, which simply means to guess. Use 推斷 only when you have some evidence or clues to support your reasoning, rather than just a random feeling.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
