倒是 (dào shì): contrary to expectation, but

Meaning & Stroke Order

HSK 6adverb

Word info

Pinyin
Meaning: contrary to expectation, but
Characters: 2
Part of speech: adverb
HSK level: HSK 6

Full definitions

contrary to what one might expect
actually
contrariwise
why dont you

Chinese explanation

表示与预想的情况相反，含有出乎意料或转折的语气
有时用来强调某个事实或情况，带有轻微的反驳或提醒意味
也可以用在反问或建议中，使语气显得委婉或带有商量、催促的意味。

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Character breakdown

HSK 5

to fall

HSK 1

to be (followed by substantives only)

Example sentences

Everyone thought this exam would be very difficult, but contrary to expectations, Xiao Wang, who usually gets average grades, scored full marks and surprised everyone.

I was worried he wouldn't be willing to help, but unexpectedly, he agreed quite readily and even proactively asked when to start.

This restaurant looks unremarkable, but contrary to appearances, the prices are shockingly high; one meal cost me half a month's salary.

He usually speaks very little, but in today's debate competition, contrary to his usual self, he spoke eloquently and left the opposing debater speechless.

The weather forecast said it would rain heavily today, but instead the sun came out, and the umbrellas we brought were completely useless.

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