zi3 do1至多
Jyutpingzi3 do1
Yaleji dō
Definition
At most, or at worst.
- at most; the maximum limit
- at worst; worst-case scenario
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Expresses a limit or a maximum threshold that one is willing to accept or reach. It often carries a sense of resignation or finality, implying that the speaker has reached the end of their patience, budget, or capacity. When used to describe a worst-case scenario, it functions similarly to the English phrase "at worst."
Examples
I can stay with you for a little while longer at most, then I have to go.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 最多, which is more neutral and often used for simple counting or quantity. 至多 carries a stronger sense of a boundary or a limit that cannot be exceeded.
Grammar color guide
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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.
