Meanings of 悼
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About 悼
Podcast: 悼
Podcast: 悼
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AI Study Notes for 悼
哀 (āi) - use 悼 (dào) specifically for formal mourning, whereas 哀 (āi) can express sorrow more broadly.
This character is often used in formal and literary contexts, so it's important to avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 悼念 (dàoniàn, to mourn) and 悼词 (dàocí, eulogy). Be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone (dào) can sometimes be confused with other tones in rapid speech.
While 悼 is not included in the HSK levels, it shares thematic connections with words related to emotions and loss found in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding the emotional weight of this term in contrast to lighter expressions of sadness.
Learners often confuse 悼 with similar words like 哀 (āi) which also means to grieve but can be used in different contexts. For example, saying '我哀他的死' (Wǒ āi tā de sǐ) instead of '我悼念他的死' (Wǒ dàoniàn tā de sǐ) can sound awkward.
Pronunciation of 悼
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Etymology of 悼
Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 卓 represents the sound.
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Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 悼
Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 卓 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half忄 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half卓 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayheart
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 悼? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 悼
Identify the Components
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How to say to mourn in Chinese
“to mourn” in Chinese is悼
The character 悼 (dào) means to mourn or lament, typically in the context of expressing sorrow over someone's death or a significant loss. It is often used in formal contexts, such as memorial services or literature, to convey deep feelings of grief and reflection.
When to use 悼
This character is often used in formal and literary contexts, so it's important to avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 悼念 (dàoniàn, to mourn) and 悼词 (dàocí, eulogy). Be mindful of the tone; the fourth tone (dào) can sometimes be confused with other tones in rapid speech.
悼 or something close to it
哀 (āi) - use 悼 (dào) specifically for formal mourning, whereas 哀 (āi) can express sorrow more broadly.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 悼 with similar words like 哀 (āi) which also means to grieve but can be used in different contexts. For example, saying '我哀他的死' (Wǒ āi tā de sǐ) instead of '我悼念他的死' (Wǒ dàoniàn tā de sǐ) can sound awkward.
Write 悼
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Practice writing 悼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 悼
悼 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Complete the Sentence
有15,000多人参加了____念仪式。
More than fifteen thousand people took part in the memorial service.
Example Sentences for 悼 (3)
Word Family of 悼
Compound Meaning
What does 哀悼 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 悼
You can use it like this: 我为他的离世感到悼念 (Wǒ wèi tā de líshì gǎndào dàoniàn) meaning 'I mourn his passing.'
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