对对
duì duì
The English phrase 'yes yes' can be translated into Chinese as 对对 (duì duì).
对对 is an informal way to show strong agreement or to confirm that the other person is correct. It is often used as a conversational filler or a quick way to acknowledge that you understand and agree with what someone is saying.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the word 对, which literally means 'correct' or 'right'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
对对 is an informal expression used in casual conversation to show enthusiastic agreement. For a more formal way to express a stronger sense of agreement, such as 'of course, it's possible', you can use 当然可以. In informal settings, you may also use 好的 to mean 'okay' or 'alright'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Reduplicating the character 对 to form 对对 is a common way in Chinese to create an informal, affirmative expression.
How do you pronounce it?
duì duì
Did you know?
- In Chinese, there is no single, universal word for 'yes' that can be used to answer every question. Instead, you must respond using the specific verb or particle that matches the grammar of the question being asked.
- While repeating characters often makes a word sound cute or informal, repeating 对 in rapid succession can sometimes sound dismissive, as if you are trying to hurry the speaker along.
- The word 对 is also used in the phrase 对面 to mean 'opposite side', illustrating how the idea of being 'correct' stems from two things matching or facing each other perfectly.
Examples in context
- 明天的会议在下午三点开始吗? / 是的，会议将在下午三点正式开始。Will the meeting start at 3 pm tomorrow? / Yes, the meeting will formally commence at 3 pm.
- 你可以帮我完成这份报告吗? / 当然可以，我会尽快处理。Can you help me complete this report? / Of course, I can. I will handle it as soon as possible.
- 想一起去看电影吗? / 好的，我很乐意。Do you want to go watch a movie together? / Okay, I'm happy to.
- 你可以帮我拿一下行李吗? / 没问题，我来帮你。Can you help me carry the luggage for a moment? / No problem, I'll help you.
- 对对，我也这么想。Duì duì, wǒ yě zhè me xiǎng.Yes yes, I think so too.
- 对对，你说得完全正确。Duì duì, nǐ shuō de wán quán zhèng què.Yes yes, what you said is completely correct.
- 对对，就是这个意思。Duì duì, jiù shì zhè ge yì si.Yes yes, that is exactly what I mean.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing where to meet for dinner.
- 浩然 Haoran我们明天在车站见面，对吧？Wǒ men míng tiān zài chē zhàn jiàn miàn, duì ba?We are meeting at the station tomorrow, right?
- 雨婷 Yuting对对，就在车站门口。Duì duì, jiù zài chē zhàn mén kǒu.Yes yes, right at the station entrance.
- 浩然 Haoran那我们晚上六点见。Nà wǒ men wǎn shang liù diǎn jiàn.Then we'll see each other at six p.m.
- 雨婷 Yuting没问题，到时候见！Méi wèn tí, dào shí hou jiàn!No problem, see you then!
