Advanced uses of "dou"

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In its simplest terms, 都 (dōu) means "all," but there are also many other advanced uses for it.

都 meaning "to the point that"

都 can also mean 甚至, meaning "even to the point that," and in this form it expresses emphasis.


Subj. + 都 + Predicate

Examples

  • 能闻见面包的香味。I can even smell the aroma of bread.
  • 我对你太了解了,我能知道你下一步要做什么。I understand you completely. I can even know what your next move is.
  • 我很想妈妈,有时候我能看见她。I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.

都 meaning "since..., then..."

都 can also mean "既然⋯⋯就", meaning "Since ..., in that case...“ A simple example would be 他都不说汉语,别跟他讲话, meaning "Since he does not speak Chinese, so don't talk with him."


都 + 小句,主句

Examples

  • 这么说了,你还好意思再找他帮忙?Even though he said that, you still have the guts to ask for his help?
  • 来了,就先别急着走了。Since everyone got here, we need to go now.

都 can also have have a tone of complaint

It often has a tone of grumbling or complaint, and it is often used with 怨 or 怪.


都 + 怨 / 是 / 怪 + Somebody

Examples

  • 怪 你,出门 不 带 伞。It's all your fault, leaving without bringing an umbrella.
  • 是 你,害 我 跑 这么 远。It's your fault for making me run so far.
  • 怨 你,不 提前 订 好 座位。I blame you for not making the reservation earlier in the day.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

Dictionaries

HSK5