多啲
do1 di1
In Cantonese, "more" is expressed as 多啲 (do1 di1).
多啲 is used to suggest an increase in quantity, degree or frequency of an action or object.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective 多 (more/many) and the diminutive particle 啲 (a bit/a little).
Which one should you use?
While 多 (do1) means 'many' or 'much', adding 啲 (di1) changes the sense to 'more' or 'a bit more' in comparative contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Cantonese, when expressing 'more' as an adverb or modifier for an action or quantity, the diminutive particle 啲 is typically added after the adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
do1 di1
Did you know?
- The character 多 is a pictograph that originally depicted two pieces of meat, symbolizing abundance or 'more'.
- In many Cantonese-speaking regions, adding 啲 to an adjective can actually soften a command, making a request sound more polite and less demanding.
- While 多啲 means 'a bit more', you can also use it to mean 'faster' or 'sooner' depending on the context of the action being performed.
Examples in context
- 你要食多啲菜。You need to eat more vegetables.This sentence is useful for suggesting someone eat more of a specific item using 多啲.Tatoeba #7909751 by nickyeow, translation #4664682 by CK
- 你應該食多啲菜。You should eat more vegetables.This sentence is useful for advising someone to eat more of a specific item using 多啲.Tatoeba #851661 by nickyeow, translation #30364 by CK
- 森美想要多啲錢。Sami wanted more money.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for more of a specific object using 多啲.Tatoeba #6108615 by nickyeow, translation #6101389 by OsoHombre
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Ka Ming and Chiu Tung are ordering food.
- 家明 Ka Ming曉彤，你想唔想多啲嘢食？hiu2 tung4, nei5 soeng2 m4 soeng2 do1 di1 je5 sik6?Chiu Tung, do you want more food?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我想食多啲炸雞。ngo5 soeng2 sik6 do1 di1 zaa3 gai1.I want to eat more fried chicken.
- 家明 Ka Ming好呀，我哋叫多啲。hou2 aa3, ngo5 dei6 giu3 do1 di1.Okay, let's order more.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung多謝你呀，家明。do1 ze6 nei5 aa3, kaa1 ming4.Thank you, Ka Ming.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
