倒
reverse; opposite; instead
Meanings
8 senses · 40 examplesverb
to be upside down; to reverse order
Used for physical objects or abstract sequences that are placed incorrectly.
The willows by the lake form beautiful reflections on the water surface.
Karma is real, planting evil seeds and harvesting evil fruits is truly confusing cause and effect.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
You put the books in the wrong order, you should arrange them from left to right.
This painting is hung upside down, please fix it right away.
He held the calendar upside down and read the date backwards.
adjective
opposite; reverse
Used for situations, actions, or results that go against the expected or normal direction.
We were supposed to win the game, but we got boos instead.
When you shop, if the cashier gives you more change than owed, you get money back in reverse.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This reactionary and backwards behavior was strongly opposed by the public.
What he said completely confuses cause and effect, and doesn't make any logical sense.
This design uses an inverted trapezoid shape, which looks very unique.
verb
to reverse; to move backward
Used for vehicles, machinery, or physical objects moving in the opposite direction.
The driver quickly reversed the car to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
This ship had to reverse back to the port due to engine failure.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Please reverse this gear to return it to its starting position.
The security guard spotted someone stealing and immediately rewound the surveillance footage to check details.
Old electric fans can reverse their airflow direction to send warm air in winter.
verb
to pour; to empty contents
Used for liquids, loose goods, or abstract emotions/thoughts being expressed fully.
Please pour me a cup of hot water.
The sanitation worker is dumping the trash from the bin into the collection truck.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
He finally poured out all the grievances he had hidden in his heart for years.
Please pour the soy sauce from the bottle into this small plate.
After the earthquake, the water pipe burst, and tap water flooded back into the basement through the cracks.
adverb
instead; on the contrary
Used to contrast expected and actual outcomes, with two subcategories of clear and subtle contrast.
I wanted to finish my homework early, but instead I stayed up until midnight.
You being so polite makes me feel embarrassed instead.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This room isn't big, but it's surprisingly clean and tidy.
I wouldn't have remembered this if you hadn't mentioned it, I truly forgot about it.
Speaking of travel, it just reminded me of my trip to Yunnan last year.
adverb
contrary to expectation; ironically
Used to soften criticism or contrast ideal vs reality.
You make it sound so easy, but I don't have time to do it at all.
He talks a good game, but never follows through on his promises.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This clothes looks pretty good at first glance, but it deformed after just two washes.
You're good at making excuses, this mistake was clearly your own fault.
His plan sounds quite comprehensive, but it's extremely difficult to implement.
adverb
to concede; admittedly
Used to acknowledge a fact first before introducing a contrasting downside.
I do know him, but we aren't very close, so I can't help much.
This phone's performance is pretty good, but it's way too expensive.
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
This restaurant has a very quiet atmosphere, but the food is just average.
His study attitude is quite good, but his methods are wrong, so his grades haven't improved.
This book's content is quite interesting, but it's too thick for me to finish reading.
adverb
to urge; to press impatiently
informalUsed in informal spoken conversations to show frustration or impatience.
Just speak up! Stop being silent all the time!
Are you going or not? We've been waiting for you for ages!
Show 3 more examplesShow fewer examples
Hurry up, just do it! Why are you standing there motionless?
Stop dragging your feet, just give me a definite answer!
The train tickets are almost sold out, have you finally decided where to go?