Meanings of 道
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About 道
Podcast: 道
Podcast: 道
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AI Study Notes for 道
路 (lù) - use 道 (dào) when referring to a philosophical or metaphorical path, while 路 (lù) is more concrete, indicating a physical road.
Learners often confuse 道 with 说 (shuō), which means 'to say.' Remember that 道 encompasses a broader meaning involving ways and principles, while 说 is more about speech. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in philosophical discussions.
While 道 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it connects to concepts taught at HSK 4 and above, such as discussing methods (方法 fāngfǎ) and principles (原则 yuánzé). Students should focus on its various usages to understand its depth in both daily conversation and philosophical texts.
Learners may incorrectly use 道 instead of 方式 (fāngshì) when referring specifically to 'method' in a modern context. For example, instead of saying '这个道很有用' (This way is useful), it would be more accurate to say '这个方式很有用' (This method is useful).
Pronunciation of 道
Drill the tone of 道 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 道
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 首 represents the sound.
walk
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 道
Phonosemantic compound. 辶 represents the meaning and 首 represents the sound.
- 1The meaning half辶 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half首 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaywalk
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 道? 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
What type of character formation is 道?
Decomposition of 道
Identify the Components
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How to say direction in Chinese
“direction” in Chinese is道
The character 道 (dào) primarily refers to a 'way' or 'path,' both in a physical and philosophical sense. It can denote directions, methods, principles, or moral truths, making it a versatile term in discussions about both practical navigation and deeper existential concepts, such as the Dao in Daoism.
When to use 道
Learners often confuse 道 with 说 (shuō), which means 'to say.' Remember that 道 encompasses a broader meaning involving ways and principles, while 说 is more about speech. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in philosophical discussions.
道 or something close to it
路 (lù) - use 道 (dào) when referring to a philosophical or metaphorical path, while 路 (lù) is more concrete, indicating a physical road.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 道 instead of 方式 (fāngshì) when referring specifically to 'method' in a modern context. For example, instead of saying '这个道很有用' (This way is useful), it would be more accurate to say '这个方式很有用' (This method is useful).
Write 道
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Practice writing 道 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 道
道 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 17 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
这____菜十分好吃。
This dish is extremely delicious.
Example Sentences for 道 (13)
Word Family of 道
Compound Meaning
What does 知道 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 道
In philosophy, 道 refers to the fundamental way or principle that governs the universe and human existence, especially within Daoism.
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