← Level Three Vocab

但係

daan6 hai6
but / however (spoken)
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Usage

  • This phrase is used to introduce a contrast or exception in spoken Cantonese, similar to 'but' or 'however' in English.
  • It typically appears at the beginning of the clause that presents the opposing idea or additional information.
  • Unlike the formal conjunctions in written Cantonese, this phrase is more common in casual or conversational speech.
  • When using this phrase, the tone of the preceding and following sentences usually shifts to balance agreement with contradiction.
  • It helps soften disagreement and is often employed in polite conversation and negotiation to maintain harmony.
Volume
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Examples

  • 我知道你嘅意思,但係我都有自己嘅諗法。
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    ngo5 zi1 dou3 nei5 ge3 ji3 si1, daan6 hai6 ngo5 dou1 jau5 zi6 gei2 ge3 nam2 faat3.
    I understand your point, but I also have my own way of thinking.
  • 我哋想去戲院,但係而家時間唔夠。
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    ngo5 dei6 soeng2 heoi3 hei3 jyun2, daan6 hai6 ji4 gaa1 si4 gaan3 m4 gau3.
    We want to go to the cinema, but we don’t have enough time now.
  • 呢件事好重要,但係唔使太緊張。
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    ni1 gin6 si6 hou2 zung6 jiu3, daan6 hai6 m4 sai2 taai3 gan2 zoeng1.
    This matter is important, but there's no need to be too nervous.
  • 我明白你嘅困難,但係我未必可以幫到你。
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    ngo5 ming4 baak6 nei5 ge3 kwan3 naan4, daan6 hai6 ngo5 mei6 bat1 ho2 ji5 bong1 dou3 nei5.
    I understand your difficulties, but I may not be able to help you.

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