Advanced usages of the contrary "dao"
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这个页面上的“倒”的用法都是起到舒缓语气的作用。
Contents
Using 倒 to indicate a rebuking tone
When using 倒 this way, link it together with a 得.When using this, usually the speaker has a rebuking tone. It's like saying "what you're saying is the opposite." In other words, something is not as said.
Structure
This grammar pattern is most commonly used with 说, sometimes with 想, and maybe every once in a while with 看. 主语限于“你、你们、他、他们”等第二或者第三人称。多用于责备他人。
Subj. + Verb + 得 + 倒 + Adj.
Examples
- 你 说 得 倒 容易，你 来 试试 ！It's easy for you to just say it. You should give it a try!
- 不 工作 还 想 拿 工资？你 想 得 倒 美！You want to get paid without doing your job? You must be talking when you sleep.
- 他 想 得 倒 简单，事情 怎么 可能 那么 容易！What he thought is too simple. How could things be so easy!
Using 倒 to give an emphasis in an affirmative sentence
Structure
Subj. + 倒 + Adj.
Examples
- 这 个 小 女孩 倒 挺 勇敢 的。This little girl is quite brave.
- 业余 时间 看 看 电影，做 做 运动 倒 也 不错。It's great to watch some movie and do some exercise after work.
- 他们 的 想法 倒 挺 有 价值 的，我们 应该 好好 考虑 一下。Their idea is valuable. We should think about it.
Using 倒 to give an emphasis in a negative sentence
A useful little phrase to admit concession is 那倒也是, something like "I guess so, I hadn't thought of it like that before." Or if on the contrary you are unwilling to concede, the phrases below can be used:
Common phrases
我 倒 不 觉得
我 倒 不 这么＋看 / 想 / 认为
Examples
- 其他 老师 都 说 这 个 学生 很 笨，我 倒 不 觉得。All the other teachers said this student is stupid, but I disagree.
- 别人 都 说 他 跟 她 结婚 是 为了 钱 ，我 倒 不 这么 想。 A lot of people think that he married her because of her money, but I don't think so.
- 很 多 人 认为 钱 是 最 重要 的，我 倒 不 这么 认为。 A lot of people think that money is the most important, but I don't think so.
Using 倒 in an imperative sentence
When using 倒 this way, link it together with a 是 after it. This pattern is used to urge somebody to response quickly.
Structure
你＋倒是＋Verb＋呀 / 啊
Examples
- 你 倒是 说话 呀！Please say something!
- 你 倒是 快 做 决定 啊！Make a quick decision, please.
- 你们 倒是 同意 不 同意 呀？Please tell me, do you agree or not?
