Verb + 到 + Result

So Much That…

Level 3Sounds Like git3 gwo2

The pattern V/Adj + 到 (dou3) + Result is the standard way in Cantonese to express intensity or the consequence of an action. It translates to 'so [action/state] that [result].'

How It Works

The particle 到 (dou3) is a 'degree' or 'extent' complement marker. It is essential for expressing high intensity in daily conversation.

1. Basic Structure:
For adjectives or verbs without objects, simply attach 到 (dou3) directly:

  • 攰到 (gui6 dou3) + [Result] = So tired that...
  • 嘈到 (cou4 dou3) + [Result] = So noisy that...

2. The Verb Repetition Rule:
If the verb has a direct object, you normally need to repeat the verb before adding 到 (dou3). The structure becomes: Verb + Object + Verb + 到 + Result.
Example: 睇書 (tai2 syu1) 'read book' becomes 睇書睇到眼痛 (tai2 syu1 tai2 dou3 ngaan5 tung3) 'read so much that eyes hurt.'

3. Tone Distinction:
In this specific 'extent' usage, 到 is always pronounced in the 3rd tone (dou3). This is different from the attainment marker which uses the 2nd tone (dou2).

4. Cantonese vs. Mandarin:
Learners coming from Mandarin often try to use 得 (dak1) for extent. However, in Cantonese, 得 (dak1) is primarily for manner (how well something is done) or potential. For extent/intensity (so... that...), 到 (dou3) is the correct choice.

Examples (5)

  1. 我攰到郁唔到。

    I'm so tired that I can't move.

    Word by Word: I tired [extent] move not move.

    Here, the adjective 攰 (gui6) is followed by 到 (dou3) to show the extreme degree of tiredness.

  2. 佢笑到肚痛。

    He laughed so much that his stomach hurts.

    Word by Word: He laugh [extent] belly pain.

    A very common expression where the result of the action (laughing) is physical pain.

  3. 琴晚我睇書睇到兩點。

    Last night I read until 2 o'clock.

    Word by Word: Last night I read book read [extent] two o'clock.

    Note the verb repetition: 睇書 (read book) is followed by the repeated verb 睇 (read) before 到 (dou3).

  4. 嗰度嘈到我瞓唔着。

    It was so noisy there that I couldn't fall asleep.

    Word by Word: That place noisy [extent] I sleep not attached.

    The result phrase 'I couldn't sleep' follows the extent marker 到 (dou3).

  5. 佢忙到連飯都冇時間食。

    He is so busy that he doesn't even have time to eat.

    Word by Word: He busy [extent] even meal also not-have time eat.

    This uses the 連...都... pattern within the result clause to emphasize the extent.

Common Mistakes

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

    我行路到腳痛。
    我行路行到腳痛。

    In Cantonese, you cannot attach 'dou3' directly to an object. You must repeat the verb: 行路 (walk road) + 行 (walk) + 到 (dou3).

  • Using 'dak1' instead of 'dou3' for extent (Mandarin interference).

    佢開心得跳起。
    佢開心到跳起。

    While 'de' is used in Mandarin for extent, Cantonese uses 到 (dou3). In Cantonese, 得 (dak1) is usually for manner (how you do something) or permission.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Verb + 到 + ResultLevel 3So Much That…

Learn This First

To understand the 'So much that...' pattern, you need to know how adjectives function as verbs in Cantonese and how the particle 'dou3' is used to indicate reaching a certain point or extent. Familiarity with resultative structures is also helpful as this pattern describes a result caused by the intensity of an action or state.

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