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March 24, 2026
舵duò(duo4)
The character 舵 (duò) refers to a helm or rudder, which is a crucial component for steering a boat or ship. It is commonly used in nautical contexts, particularly when discussing navigation and sailing. Understanding this term is essential for learners interested in maritime activities or terminology.
Strokes11Radical舟Frequency#10892DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime culture, the concept of 舵 is vital, as China has a rich history of seafaring. The use of traditional sailing techniques and modern navigation systems highlights the importance of the rudder in Chinese naval history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large ship with a captain at the helm (舵). The character has a boat (舟) at the bottom, reminding you of its connection to sailing, while the top part can resemble the steering wheel. Picture the captain confidently steering the ship through the waves, emphasizing the importance of the 舵.
Meanings of 舵
duò(duo4)
1helm, rudder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 舵
舵Simplified
11Strokes
舟Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 舵
Podcast: 舵
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AI Study Notes for 舵
Quick Contrast
舵 (duò) vs 方向舵 (fāngxiàng duò) — use 舵 for general reference to a helm, while 方向舵 specifies a rudder for directional steering.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large ship with a captain at the helm (舵). The character has a boat (舟) at the bottom, reminding you of its connection to sailing, while the top part can resemble the steering wheel. Picture the captain confidently steering the ship through the waves, emphasizing the importance of the 舵.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 舵 with similar terms like 轮 (lún), which means wheel. This word is used in more formal or technical contexts, so it's best suited for discussions about navigation rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include 舵手 (duò shǒu), meaning helmsman, and 舵机 (duò jī), meaning rudder device.
HSK Study Tips
While 舵 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects to HSK 3 vocabulary related to transportation and travel. Students should focus on recognizing the character in context, especially in maritime discussions, to enhance their understanding of navigation-related terms.
Cultural Note
In Chinese maritime culture, the concept of 舵 is vital, as China has a rich history of seafaring. The use of traditional sailing techniques and modern navigation systems highlights the importance of the rudder in Chinese naval history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 舵 with 轮 (lún), leading to incorrect phrases like 舵车 (duò chē), which means 'wheel vehicle' instead of the intended 'ship's helm.' Remember that 舵 specifically relates to steering in watercraft.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 舵
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Grammar Patterns of 舵
舵 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
还不清楚船____是如何断裂的。
It was not yet clear how the rudder had sheared off.
Example Sentences for 舵 (10)
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1
还不清楚船舵是如何断裂的。
huán bù qīng chǔ chuán duò shì rú hé duàn liè de。
It was not yet clear how the rudder had sheared off.
2
他急速打着舵轮，把我们搞得摇来晃去的。
tā jí sù dǎ zháo duò lún， ， bǎ wǒ mén gǎo dé yáo lái huǎng qù。
He spun the steering-wheel so that we yawed from side to side.
3
当碰撞发生时,谁在掌舵?
dāng pèng zhuàng fā shēng shí, , shuí zài zhǎng?
Who was at the helm when the collision occurred?
4
老舵手掉转了船的航向,我们才避免了一次撞击礁石的危险.
lǎo duò shǒu diào zhuǎn le chuán de háng xiàng, , wǒ mén cái bì miǎn le yī cì zhuàng jī jiāo shí de wēi.
The old helmsman brought us about and we avoided a dangerous dash against the rocks.
A helmsman is tested in a rough sea; a hero is distinguished in difficult circumstances.
6
舵手拨转船头.
duò shǒu bō zhuǎn chuán tóu.
The helmsman brought the ship about.
7
转舵背 [ 迎 ] 风开!
zhuǎn duò bèi[ [] yíng ]!
Down [ Up ] with the helm!
8
当虚弱男子跪在钢舵轮上时他的脚跟和双膝感到疼痛。
dāng xū ruò nán zǐ guì zài gāng duò lún shàng shí tā de jiǎo gēn hé shuāng xī gǎn dào téng tòng。
The feeble man feels an ache on his heels and knees when he kneels on the steel steering wheel.
9
起初他设法用舵把朝它们劈过去.
qǐ chū tā shè fǎ yòng duò bǎ zhāo tā mén pī guò qù.
At first he tried to club them with the tiller.
10
我还有两把桨和那个舵把和那根短棍. ”
wǒ huán yǒu liǎng bǎ jiǎng hé nà gè duò bǎ hé nà gēn duǎn gùn.”
I have the two oars and the tiller and the short club. "
Cultural Notes for 舵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese maritime culture, the concept of 舵 is vital, as China has a rich history of seafaring. The use of traditional sailing techniques and modern navigation systems highlights the importance of the rudder in Chinese naval history.
Word Family of 舵
Words Containing This Character8
舵duòhelm
舵手duòshǒuhelmsman
掌舵to steer (a ship)
把舵to steer
见风使舵to be flexible and take advantage of the situation見風使舵
船舵rudder
见风转舵to be flexible and take advantage of the situation見風轉舵
顺风转舵pragmatic順風轉舵
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 舵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 舵
It is pronounced as 'duò'.
While it primarily means 'rudder' or 'helm,' it's used in specific nautical contexts.
You can say '他是这个船的舵手', meaning 'He is the helmsman of this ship.'
