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March 24, 2026
导(導)dǎo(dao3)
The character 导 (dǎo) means 'to lead' or 'to guide.' It is commonly used in contexts where someone is directing a group or transmitting information. It can also refer to guiding someone through a process or providing direction in various situations.
Strokes6Radical寸Frequency#7637DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of guidance is often associated with respect for authority, such as teachers guiding students. The role of a 导游 (dǎoyóu - tour guide) is especially significant in tourism, as they lead travelers through historical sites, sharing cultural knowledge.
Memory Tip
Imagine a conductor leading an orchestra, guiding musicians with a baton. The character 导 has a 'leader' component (导) at the top, symbolizing leadership and direction, while the lower part can remind you of the act of 'leading' (导). Picture the conductor shouting 'dǎo!' to get everyone's attention.
Meanings of 导
dǎo(dao3)
1to transmit
2to lead
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 导
导Simplified
導Traditional
6Strokes
寸Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#7637Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 导
Podcast: 导
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AI Study Notes for 导
Quick Contrast
引 (yǐn) - use 导 (dǎo) when implying leadership or guidance in a broader sense, while 引 (yǐn) is more about pulling or drawing someone or something towards a specific direction.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a conductor leading an orchestra, guiding musicians with a baton. The character 导 has a 'leader' component (导) at the top, symbolizing leadership and direction, while the lower part can remind you of the act of 'leading' (导). Picture the conductor shouting 'dǎo!' to get everyone's attention.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 导 with similar verbs like 引 (yǐn), which means 'to pull' or 'to draw.' 导 is more about guiding and directing. It is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, often paired with words like '旅游' (lǚyóu - to travel), as in 导游 (dǎoyóu - tour guide).
HSK Study Tips
Although 导 is not included in the HSK levels, its usage is relevant for HSK 4 learners when discussing leadership or guidance. Students should focus on its application in various phrases and contexts, particularly in travel and education.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of guidance is often associated with respect for authority, such as teachers guiding students. The role of a 导游 (dǎoyóu - tour guide) is especially significant in tourism, as they lead travelers through historical sites, sharing cultural knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 导 with 引 (yǐn), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我引一群人' (Wǒ yǐn yī qún rén - I lead a group of people) is incorrect; it should be '我导一群人' (Wǒ dǎo yī qún rén).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 导
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Grammar Patterns of 导
导 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The couple have sought help from marriage guidance counsellors.
Cultural Notes for 导
💡Did you know?
'导' is often used in various contexts, from leading a group to guiding someone in their study or career. It reflects the importance of mentorship in Chinese culture.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of guidance is often associated with respect for authority, such as teachers guiding students. The role of a 导游 (dǎoyóu - tour guide) is especially significant in tourism, as they lead travelers through historical sites, sharing cultural knowledge.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, guidance often emphasizes individual empowerment, whereas in Chinese culture, it is more about respect for authority and collective direction.
Word Family of 导
Words Containing This Character20
领导lǐngdǎolead領導
导致dǎozhìto lead to導致
指导zhǐdǎoto guide指導
引导yǐndǎoto guide引導
导弹dǎodànguided missile導彈
导dǎoto lead導
领导人leader領導人
导演dǎoyǎnto direct導演
教导to instruct教導
报导(news) report報導
导师dǎoshītutor導師
主导zhǔdǎoleading主導
辅导fǔdǎoto mentor輔導
导航dǎohángnavigation導航
领导者leader領導者
误导wùdǎoto mislead誤導
导游dǎoyóutour guide導遊
向导xiàngdǎoguide嚮導
导管duct導管
导向dǎoxiàngorientation導向
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 领导 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 导
导 (dǎo) and 指导 (zhǐdǎo) both relate to leading or guiding, but 导 is more about direct guidance or conduction, while 指导 implies a more instructional or advisory role. For example, you might 导演 (dǎoyǎn) which means to direct a film, while 指导 could be used in a teaching context.
Common phrases that include 导 (dǎo) are 导师 (dǎoshī), meaning 'mentor' or 'instructor,' and 导航 (dǎoháng), meaning 'navigation.' These phrases highlight the character's versatility in both educational and directional contexts.
导 (dǎo) means to lead, guide, conduct, or direct. It can refer to both physical guidance and the act of transmitting information or ideas. This character is commonly used in various contexts, such as 导游 (dǎoyóu) for tour guide.
You can use 导 (dǎo) in a sentence to express guiding or leading someone. For example, you might say '他导我去医院' (tā dǎo wǒ qù yīyuàn), which means 'He guided me to the hospital.' This demonstrates the character's meaning effectively.
Common phrases include 导游 (dǎoyóu - tour guide) and 导致 (dǎozhì - to lead to, to cause).
导 specifically implies leadership and guidance, while verbs like 引 (yǐn) focus on pulling or drawing.
Yes, 导 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in educational or professional settings.
