Advanced usages of the contrary "dao"
Contents
Indicating A Rebuking Tone with 倒
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. 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，那 你 来 ！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.
- 怎么 可能 ？他 想 得 倒 简单 ！How could that be possible? What he thought is too simple!
Give An Emphasis with 倒
倒 can be used in an affirmative sentence to give an emphasis, indicating the speaker agrees with something in an way.
Structure
Subj. + 倒 + Adj.
Examples
- 这 个 小 女孩 倒 挺 勇敢 的 。This little girl is quite brave.
- 菜 虽然 糊 了 ，味道 倒 还 不错 。The food was burned, but its taste wasn't bad.
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 倒是 in An Imperative Sentence
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 说 呀 ！Please tell me!
- 你 倒是 走 啊 ！Walk with me, please!
- 你们 倒是 签 啊 ！ Please sign it!
