How to use 倒 (dào) to express “but actually” in Chinese
倒 (dào)⋯⋯
倒 (dǎo) — but actually, contrary to expectation
倒 (dào)⋯⋯
HSK 4"But" Statements倒 (dǎo) — but actually, contrary to expectation
Rule structure
倒 (dào) softens the statement, expresses mild contrast, or concedes a point before introducing a counter-opinion. It often appears as 倒是 (dào shì).
Rule structure
倒 (dào) softens the statement, expresses mild contrast, or concedes a point before introducing a counter-opinion. It often appears as 倒是 (dào shì).
Examples
雨没有停，倒大起来了。
Yǔ méiyǒu tíng, dào dà qǐlai le.
The rain didn't stop, but got heavier.
Examples
雨没有停，倒大起来了。
Yǔ méiyǒu tíng, dào dà qǐlai le.
The rain didn't stop, but got heavier.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “but actually, contrary to expectation” in Chinese with 倒?
Use the structure: 倒 (dào)⋯⋯. For example: 雨没有停，倒大起来了。 — “The rain didn't stop, but got heavier.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
雨没有停，倒大起来了。 — “The rain didn't stop, but got heavier.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.
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More HSK 4 grammar rules
尽管 — although… but…
尽管 (jǐnguǎn)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì)⋯⋯
却 — however, yet
⋯⋯，却 (què)⋯⋯
全 — whole, entire
全 (quán) + Measure Word + Noun
到 — until (time/place/degree)
Verb + 到 (dào) + Time / Place / Degree
连 + verb — not even
连 (lián) + Verb + 都 (dōu) + 不 (bù) / 没 (méi) + Verb
原来 — it turns out, originally
Subj. + 原来 (yuánlái) + Predicate
得 — must, have to
Subj. + 得 (děi) + Verb Phrase
不管 — no matter
不管 (bùguǎn)⋯⋯，都 (dōu) / 也 (yě)⋯⋯