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March 24, 2026
公道gōngdao(gong1dao5)
公道 (gōngdào) refers to the concepts of justice and fairness, often used in legal or moral contexts to describe equitable treatment. It can also mean a public highway, emphasizing the idea of accessibility and common use. The term is frequently used in discussions about social justice and equitable practices.
Frequency#8195DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公道 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where fairness and justice are essential for harmonious social relations. Discussions about 公道 often arise in the context of community and family, reflecting collective values over individual rights.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge in a courtroom, holding a scale (representing fairness) while standing on a wide, open road (公道) that everyone can access. The character 公 (gōng) resembles a person standing with arms open, welcoming all to fairness, while 道 (dào) can remind you of a path or road.
Meanings of 公道
gōngdao(gong1dao5)
primary
1justice
2fairness
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About 公道
公道Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#8195Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 公道
Podcast: 公道
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AI Study Notes for 公道
Quick Contrast
公平 (gōngpíng) refers specifically to fairness in treatment or judgment, while 公道 (gōngdào) encompasses a broader sense of justice that may include legal and moral implications.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a judge in a courtroom, holding a scale (representing fairness) while standing on a wide, open road (公道) that everyone can access. The character 公 (gōng) resembles a person standing with arms open, welcoming all to fairness, while 道 (dào) can remind you of a path or road.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 公道 with similar terms like 正义 (zhèngyì, justice), which has a slightly different nuance. The term is more formal and is often used in legal discussions, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Be careful with the tones, as mispronouncing them can change meanings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 公道 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to ethics, law, and social issues. Students should focus on understanding its applications in various contexts, especially in debates or discussions about fairness and justice.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公道 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where fairness and justice are essential for harmonious social relations. Discussions about 公道 often arise in the context of community and family, reflecting collective values over individual rights.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 公道 with 公平 (gōngpíng), thinking they are interchangeable, but 公道 implies a legal or moral judgment while 公平 is more about equality. For example, saying '这不是公平' (zhè bù shì gōngpíng) instead of '这不是公道' (zhè bù shì gōngdào) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公道
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Grammar Patterns of 公道
公道 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 5 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.
Securities laws require companies to treat all shareholders reasonably and equally.
Cultural Notes for 公道
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公道 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, where fairness and justice are essential for harmonious social relations. Discussions about 公道 often arise in the context of community and family, reflecting collective values over individual rights.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the concept of justice often emphasizes individual rights, whereas in Chinese culture, there is a stronger emphasis on communal harmony and collective fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公道
You can say '这个决定不公道' (zhège juédìng bù gōngdào), meaning 'This decision is not fair.'
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal discussions about justice or fairness rather than casual conversations.
Synonyms include 公平 (gōngpíng, fairness) and 正义 (zhèngyì, justice), though each term has its specific usages.
