Meanings of 倒
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About 倒
Podcast: 倒
Podcast: 倒
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AI Study Notes for 倒
倒 (dào) vs 跌 (diē) — use 倒 for broader contexts including metaphorical meanings, while 跌 specifically refers to falling or tripping physically.
Be cautious of the context in which you use 倒, as it can imply failure or unexpected results. It is often used in both formal and informal settings but may sound more dramatic in casual conversation. Common collocations include 倒下 (to fall down) and 倒闭 (to go bankrupt).
As an HSK Level 4 word, 倒 connects with other verbs related to movement and change, like 转 (zhuǎn - to turn) and 跌 (diē - to fall). Focus on its various meanings and practice using it in sentences to grasp its flexibility.
Learners often confuse 倒 with other similar characters, such as 摔 (to fall) or 跌 (to tumble); remember that 倒 emphasizes a more general sense of inversion or failure. A mistake like saying '我倒了' (I fell) when meaning 'I fell down' could be corrected to '我摔倒了'.
Pronunciation of 倒
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Etymology of 倒
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 到 represents the sound.
person
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 倒
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 到 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half亻 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half到 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawayperson
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 倒? 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 倒
Identify the Components
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How to say to fall in Chinese
“to fall” in Chinese is倒
The character 倒 (dǎo) primarily means 'to fall' or 'to collapse'. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing physical actions like falling over or pouring liquid, as well as metaphorical uses, such as failing in business or life. Its versatility allows it to convey unexpected changes or outcomes.
When to use 倒
Be cautious of the context in which you use 倒, as it can imply failure or unexpected results. It is often used in both formal and informal settings but may sound more dramatic in casual conversation. Common collocations include 倒下 (to fall down) and 倒闭 (to go bankrupt).
倒 or something close to it
倒 (dào) vs 跌 (diē) — use 倒 for broader contexts including metaphorical meanings, while 跌 specifically refers to falling or tripping physically.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 倒 with other similar characters, such as 摔 (to fall) or 跌 (to tumble); remember that 倒 emphasizes a more general sense of inversion or failure. A mistake like saying '我倒了' (I fell) when meaning 'I fell down' could be corrected to '我摔倒了'.
Write 倒
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Practice writing 倒 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 倒
倒 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 22 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.
Complete the Sentence
现在看来，那____是个很好的办法。
Looking at it now, that is indeed a very good method.
Example Sentences for 倒 (10)
Word Family of 倒
Compound Meaning
What does 倒 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 倒
Yes, 倒 can describe metaphorical situations like failing in business or relationships, not just physical actions.
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