zi1 daan6 hai6之但係之但系

Jyutpingzi1 daan6 hai6

Yalejī daahn haih

連詞

Definition

But; however.

colloquialcommunication

How it's used

Adds a layer of emphasis or a slightly more dramatic tone compared to the standard but. It often signals that the speaker is about to present a significant obstacle or a counter-argument that carries weight. You will frequently hear it in storytelling or when someone is trying to justify a difficult decision.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好soeng2想heoi3去leoi5旅hang4行，zi1之daan6但hai6係mou5冇cin2錢aa4呀。

He really wants to go on a trip, but he has no money.

ngo5我soeng2想bong1幫nei5你，zi1之daan6但hai6係ngo5我zan1真hai6係hou2好mong4忙。

I want to help you, but I am really busy.

Common phrases

zi1之daan6但hai6係gam3咁

but then again

Common mistake

Avoid using it in formal writing or professional emails, as it sounds distinctly conversational and slightly dramatic. It is best reserved for spoken interactions where you want to highlight a contrast.