Meanings of 地道
By ear
Play it, then pick what 地道 means.
About 地道
Podcast: 地道
Podcast: 地道
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 地道
正宗 (zhèngzōng) - use '地道' when emphasizing local authenticity, while '正宗' highlights adherence to traditional standards.
Be mindful of the context in which you use '地道'; it is often used in informal settings to describe food or cultural experiences. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to pronunciation. It pairs well with words like '美食' (delicious food) or '文化' (culture).
'地道' fits well within HSK Level 5 as it broadens vocabulary related to authenticity and cultural identity. Students should focus on using it in sentences describing experiences or goods, linking it to other HSK words related to quality and origin.
Learners often confuse '地道' with '道地', which is a less common variant. For example, saying '他的中文很道地' (His Chinese is very 地道) is incorrect; you should use '地道' instead. Another common mistake is using it to describe something that is not culturally relevant, such as '地道的手机' (authentic phone), which doesn't fit the typical usage.
Pronunciation of 地道
Drill the tone of 地道 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 地道 to You
Let me explain 地道 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 地道 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 地道?
Learning Lab
Knowing 地道 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say tunnel in Chinese
“tunnel” in Chinese is地道
The term '地道' refers to something that is genuine, authentic, or typical of a certain place or culture. It can describe food, customs, or products that are true to their origins, emphasizing quality and authenticity in cultural contexts.
When to use 地道
Be mindful of the context in which you use '地道'; it is often used in informal settings to describe food or cultural experiences. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words, so pay attention to pronunciation. It pairs well with words like '美食' (delicious food) or '文化' (culture).
地道 or something close to it
正宗 (zhèngzōng) - use '地道' when emphasizing local authenticity, while '正宗' highlights adherence to traditional standards.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '地道' with '道地', which is a less common variant. For example, saying '他的中文很道地' (His Chinese is very 地道) is incorrect; you should use '地道' instead. Another common mistake is using it to describe something that is not culturally relevant, such as '地道的手机' (authentic phone), which doesn't fit the typical usage.
Write 地道
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 地道 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 地道
地道 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 8 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他们发现了一处迷宫似的____。
They found a labyrinth of tunnels under the ground.
Example Sentences for 地道 (9)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 地道?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 地道
In food contexts, '地道' refers to dishes that are authentic and true to a specific regional style, highlighting their genuine flavors and preparation methods.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 地道?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.