到（程度）

So Much That

Level 3Sounds Like dou3

The particle 到 (dou3) connects a verb or adjective to a result or extreme degree. It shows that something has reached a point where a specific consequence happens.

How It Works

The extent complement 到 (dou3) is essential for expressing intensity in Cantonese. It functions as a bridge between an action/state and its consequence.

1. Basic Structure
For adjectives or verbs without objects, the structure is simple:
[Adjective/Verb] + 到 + [Result]
Example: 攰到死 (gui6 dou3 sei2) - 'Tired to death.'

2. The Verb-Copying Rule
This is a critical rule for learners. If a verb is followed by an object, you cannot attach 到 directly to the object. You must repeat the verb:
[Verb] + [Object] + [Verb] + 到 + [Result]
Example: 佢睇書睇到唔記得食飯 (He read books [to the point that] he forgot to eat).

3. Tone Distinction
It is vital to pronounce this as dou3 (3rd tone). Do not confuse it with 到 (dou2), which indicates successful attainment (e.g., 'found it').

4. 到 (dou3) vs. 得 (dak1)
In Cantonese, these two usually divide the work:

  • Use 得 (dak1) for manner (how an action is done, e.g., 'runs fast').
  • Use 到 (dou3) for extent (the result of the action, e.g., 'ran until sweaty').

Examples (5)

  1. 我笑到肚痛。

    I laughed so much my stomach hurts.

    Word by Word: I laugh until stomach pain.

    Here, 'stomach pain' is the result of the action 'laughing'.

  2. 佢攰到郁唔到。

    He is so tired that he can't move.

    Word by Word: He tired until move not [attain].

    This shows an adjective (攰 gui6) followed by a resultative clause.

  3. 佢食飯食到好飽。

    He ate until he was very full.

    Word by Word: He eat rice eat until very full.

    Note the verb-copying: 'eat rice' (食飯) is followed by the repeated verb 'eat' (食) before the particle.

  4. 今日熱到想死。

    It's so hot today I want to die.

    Word by Word: Today hot until want die.

    A common hyperbolic expression using an adjective (熱 jit6) and a result.

  5. 我忙到冇時間去廁所。

    I'm so busy I don't even have time to go to the bathroom.

    Word by Word: I busy until not-have time go toilet.

    The result clause describes the extreme level of being busy (忙 mong4).

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to copy the verb when an object is present.

    佢行路到攰。
    佢行路行到攰。

    In Cantonese, you must repeat the verb (行 haang4) if there is an object (路 lou6) before adding the extent particle.

  • Using 得 (dak1) where 到 (dou3) is usual for extent.

    Different Meaning我笑得肚痛。
    我笑到肚痛。

    笑得肚痛 is heard, but 笑到肚痛 is the usual way to say you laughed so much your stomach hurt. 到 (dou3) is the standard extent particle; 得 (dak1) usually marks manner.

How It Connects

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到（程度）Level 3So Much That

Learn This First

To understand '到 (extent)', you need to know how adjectives function as verbs in Cantonese. It also helps to be familiar with other uses of '到' as a marker of reaching a destination or limit, as this pattern extends that logic to the 'limit' or 'extent' of a feeling or action. Finally, familiarity with the manner complement (V+得+Adj) provides the structural context for how Cantonese attaches descriptive information after a verb or adjective.

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