We have a quick look today at the word, or rather onomatopoeic expression, of “dai”.
It’s a subtle word and its meaning changes depending entirely on inflection, tone and volume.
A quick list below.
“Dai” said with an irritated tone can mean “enough” or “stop it”.
It can also mean “come on” in all its many forms – impatience, encouragement and the gritted teeth of effort or tension if you’re following you favourite football team in that moment and it’s about time they scored a goal.
“Ma dai” can indicate mild suprise, incredulity or even suspicion that your interlocutor is pulling your leg.
It can be a kind of “as if” or “stop having me on”.
“Dai” send with a lowered tone and widened eyes will often be found in gossip and can mean “tell me more”!These are just a few of its many uses, but before you go peppering your conversation with “dai” I suggest you practice it at home.
Short words can often be misinterpreted and you may find yourself expressing more enthusiasm for something than you intended, or involved in village gossip that’s hard to follow in a foreign language.