Definition
倒是 (dào shì) is a conversational adverb that marks something as unexpected or contrary to expectation, but more mildly than 竟然 (jìng rán) or 居然 (jū rán); it often simply contrasts with what one might think. Unlike 其实 (qí shí), which corrects a false assumption, or 反而/反倒 (fǎn ér/dào) which stress a direct opposite, 倒是 focuses on a surprising outcome. It also has a unique soft-suggestion use ('why don't you'), which none of the siblings share.
adverb
contrary to what one might expectactually (highlights surprise or contrast)why don't... (in a soft suggestion, often with an imperative tone)
Easily confused
- 导师dǎo shīsound-alikeacademic advisor; supervisor (for graduate students)
Examples
- ，倒是。Wàimiàn xià zhe yǔ, tā dào shì dài le sǎn.It's raining outside, but he actually brought an umbrella.
- ，倒是。Tā píngshí bú ài shuōhuà, zhè cì dào shì zhǔdòng shàng tái fāyán 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.
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