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March 24, 2026
渡dù(du4)
The character 渡 (dù) primarily means 'to cross' or 'to ferry,' often used in contexts involving crossing rivers or other obstacles. It can also imply passing through something, whether physical or metaphorical. This word is commonly used in transportation contexts, especially when referring to ferries or bridges.
Strokes12Radical氵Frequency#5948DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Ferries are an important part of transportation in many regions of China, especially in areas with numerous rivers and lakes. The character 渡 reflects this cultural aspect, as crossing water has historically been significant for trade and travel.
Memory Tip
Imagine a boat with a large 'D' on its side, ferrying people across a river. The character 渡 has a water radical (氵) indicating its connection to water, while the 'D' sound helps you remember its pronunciation. Picture yourself 'du' (do) the crossing as you board the ferry!
Meanings of 渡
dù(du4)
1to cross
2to pass through
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 渡
渡Simplified
12Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5948Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 渡
Podcast: 渡
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AI Study Notes for 渡
Quick Contrast
渡 (dù) vs 过 (guò) — use 渡 when emphasizing the act of crossing a body of water or ferrying, while 过 is more general for passing through any space.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a boat with a large 'D' on its side, ferrying people across a river. The character 渡 has a water radical (氵) indicating its connection to water, while the 'D' sound helps you remember its pronunciation. Picture yourself 'du' (do) the crossing as you board the ferry!
Usage Notes
When using 渡, be cautious about its context; it is more formal and specific than simply saying 'cross.' Common collocations include 渡过 (dùguò - to cross over) and 渡船 (dùchuán - ferry). Remember to use the correct tone, as a mispronunciation could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 渡 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to other words about travel and movement, such as 过 (guò - to pass) and 走 (zǒu - to go). Focus on practicing sentences that incorporate 渡 with these related verbs to enhance your understanding.
Cultural Note
Ferries are an important part of transportation in many regions of China, especially in areas with numerous rivers and lakes. The character 渡 reflects this cultural aspect, as crossing water has historically been significant for trade and travel.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 渡 with 过, using it in situations where 过 is more appropriate, such as saying '渡过马路' (crossing the road) instead of '过马路.' Remember, 渡 is best used for water-related crossings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渡
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Grammar Patterns of 渡
渡 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
____船是苏格兰边远地区的生命线。
Ferries are a lifeline to the far-flung corners of Scotland.
Example Sentences for 渡 (10)
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1
渡船是苏格兰边远地区的生命线。
dù chuán shì sū gé lán biān yuǎn dì qū de shēng mìng xiàn。
Ferries are a lifeline to the far-flung corners of Scotland.
2
将近100万人渡过这条河进入摩尔达维亚。
jiāng jìn100 100 wàn rén dù guò zhè tiáo hé jìn rù mó ěr dá wéi。
Nearly one million people crossed over the river into Moldavia.
Ferries are an important part of transportation in many regions of China, especially in areas with numerous rivers and lakes. The character 渡 reflects this cultural aspect, as crossing water has historically been significant for trade and travel.
Word Family of 渡
Words Containing This Character20
渡dùto cross
过渡guòdùtransition過渡
渡过dùguòto cross over渡過
偷渡illegal immigration
引渡to extradite
渡轮ferry boat渡輪
渡船ferry
渡口ferry crossing
轮渡ferry輪渡
摆渡ferry擺渡
横渡to cross (a body of water)橫渡
过渡时期transition過渡時期
渡河to cross a river
偷渡者stowaway
过渡性transitional過渡性
大渡河Dadu River in Sichuan
远渡重洋to travel across the oceans遠渡重洋
渡边Watanabe (Japanese surname)渡邊
官渡Guandu district of Kunming city 昆明市[Kūnmíngshì], Yunnan
大渡口区Dadukou district of central Chongqing municipality, formerly in Sichuan大渡口區
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 渡 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 渡
渡 specifically refers to crossing or ferrying over water, while 过 generally means to pass or go over any obstacle.
No, 渡 is typically used for water crossings; for roads, use 过.
Yes, 渡 is more formal, often used in written language or in specific contexts like transportation.
