倒是 (dào shì) — contrary to what one might expect; actually (highlights surprise or contrast); why don't... (in a soft suggestion, often with an imperative tone)
Definition
倒是 highlights a contrast to expectation — stronger surprise than 其实 ('actually, in fact') and sharper contrast than 反而 ('on the contrary'). It can also soften a suggestion: 'why don't you...'
adverb
contrary to what one might expectactually (highlights surprise or contrast)why don't... (in a soft suggestion, often with an imperative tone)
Examples
- ，倒是。Wài miàn xià zhe yǔ, tā dào shì dài le sǎn.It's raining outside, but he actually brought an umbrella.
- ，倒是。Tā píng shí bú ài shuō huà, zhè cì dào shì zhǔ dòng shàng tái fā yán le.He doesn't usually talk much, but this time he actually took the initiative to speak on stage.
- 倒是，。Nǐ dào shì shuō jù huà ya, bié guāng zhàn zhe.Why don't you say something? Don't just stand there.
Grammar
Appears in
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