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道德 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
道德
dàodé
virtue
HSK 6, nr, 27 strokes, rank #2903, Hard
道德
dàodé
morality
HSK 6, nr, 27 strokes, rank #2903, Hard
道德
dàodé
ethics
HSK 6, nr, 27 strokes, rank #2903, Hard
dàodé(dao4de2)dao de T4
1virtue
2morality
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March 24, 2026
道德dàodé(dao4de2)
道德 (dào dé) refers to the principles of right and wrong behavior, often encapsulating concepts of virtue and ethics. It is commonly used in discussions about personal integrity, societal norms, and philosophical debates regarding morality. The term is frequently invoked in both formal discussions and everyday conversations about what is considered acceptable or commendable behavior.
Strokes27Frequency#2903DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, 道德 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of moral integrity and social harmony. Discussions of 道德 often reflect the collective expectations of society and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.
Memory tip
Imagine a wise old man (道) standing at the crossroads of life, holding a scale (德) that weighs actions between good and bad. This visual helps remember that '道' represents the path or way, while '德' signifies virtue, collectively emphasizing the moral path one should follow.
Meanings of 道德
dàodé(dao4de2)
1virtue
2morality
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 道德
道德Simplified
27Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2903Frequency Rank
种Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 道德
Podcast: 道德
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AI study notes for 道德
Quick Contrast
伦理 (lúnlǐ) vs 道德 (dàodé): use 伦理 when discussing theoretical frameworks of ethics, while 道德 emphasizes practical moral principles.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 道德 with similar terms like 伦理 (lún lǐ), which specifically refers to ethics in a more academic sense. It's important to use 道德 in both formal discussions and daily life settings when talking about moral values. Pay attention to the pronunciation tones, as mispronouncing either character can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 道德 connects with other vocabulary related to ethics and values, such as 伦理 (lún lǐ) and 价值观 (jià zhí guān). Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, particularly in literature and moral discussions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up 道德 with 价值观 (jià zhí guān), which refers to values rather than morality. For example, saying '我认为道德是我的价值观' (I think morality is my values) is incorrect; it should be '道德是我认为的道德标准' (Morality is my standard of ethics).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 道德
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道德 (dào dé) refers to the principles of right and wrong behavior, often encapsulating concepts of virtue and ethics. It is commonly used in discussions about personal integrity, societal norms, and philosophical debates regarding morality. The term is frequently invoked in both formal discussions and everyday conversations about what is considered acceptable or commendable behavior.
When to use 道德
Learners often confuse 道德 with similar terms like 伦理 (lún lǐ), which specifically refers to ethics in a more academic sense. It's important to use 道德 in both formal discussions and daily life settings when talking about moral values. Pay attention to the pronunciation tones, as mispronouncing either character can lead to misunderstandings.
道德 or something close to it
伦理 (lúnlǐ) vs 道德 (dàodé): use 伦理 when discussing theoretical frameworks of ethics, while 道德 emphasizes practical moral principles.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mix up 道德 with 价值观 (jià zhí guān), which refers to values rather than morality. For example, saying '我认为道德是我的价值观' (I think morality is my values) is incorrect; it should be '道德是我认为的道德标准' (Morality is my standard of ethics).
Write 道德
道
德
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Grammar patterns of 道德
道德 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这位首相无视____问题。
The prime minister has a blind spot on ethical issues.
Example sentences for 道德 (14)
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1
这位首相无视道德问题。
zhè wèi shǒuxiàng wú shì dàodé wèntí。
The prime minister has a blind spot on ethical issues.
2
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。
bèi nèi tè fāqǐ le yī chǎng hànwèi“ dàodé jiàzhí”、 fǎnduì fǔxiǔ duòluò de“ zìyóu xiāngduì lún” de zhànzhēng。
Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
Can it be moral to make so much money out of a commodity which is essential to life?
11
他一直认为诚信是最重要的道德标准。
Tā yīzhí rènwéi chéngxìn shì zuì zhòngyào de dàodé biāozhǔn.
He has always believed that honesty is the most important standard of virtue.
12
在他的领导下，公司始终坚持高道德标准。
Zài tā de lǐngdǎo xià, gōngsī shǐzhōng jiānchí gāo dàodé biāozhǔn.
Under his leadership, the company consistently upholds high standards of virtue.
13
道德教育对于青少年的成长至关重要。
Dàodé jiàoyù duìyú qīngshàonián de chéngzhǎng zhìguān zhòngyào.
Moral education is crucial for the growth of teenagers.
14
他以无私奉献的精神赢得了大家对他的道德尊重。
Tā yǐ wúsī fèngxiàn de jīngshén yíngdéle dàjiā duì tā de dàodé zūnzhòng.
He earned everyone's respect for his virtue through his spirit of selfless dedication.
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Cultural Notes for 道德
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Western cultures often emphasize individualism in moral discussions, Chinese culture tends to prioritize collective harmony and responsibility, making 道德 a central concept in social interactions.
Frequently asked questions about 道德
道德 refers to general morality and virtuous behavior, while 伦理 specifically relates to ethics in a philosophical or professional context.
Yes, 道德 is often used in both formal and informal settings when discussing moral behavior and ethical standards.
It is pronounced dào dé, with the first syllable in the fourth tone and the second syllable in the second tone.
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