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March 24, 2026
渡dù(du4)
The character 渡 (dù) primarily means 'to cross' or 'to ferry,' often used in contexts involving crossing rivers or other obstacles. It can also imply passing through something, whether physical or metaphorical. This word is commonly used in transportation contexts, especially when referring to ferries or bridges.
Strokes12Radical氵Frequency#5948DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
Ferries are an important part of transportation in many regions of China, especially in areas with numerous rivers and lakes. The character 渡 reflects this cultural aspect, as crossing water has historically been significant for trade and travel.
Memory Tip
Imagine a boat with a large 'D' on its side, ferrying people across a river. The character 渡 has a water radical (氵) indicating its connection to water, while the 'D' sound helps you remember its pronunciation. Picture yourself 'du' (do) the crossing as you board the ferry!
Meanings of 渡
dù(du4)
1to cross
2to pass through
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 渡 means.
About 渡
渡Simplified
12Strokes
氵Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5948Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 渡
Podcast: 渡
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AI Study Notes for 渡
Quick Contrast
渡 (dù) vs 过 (guò) — use 渡 when emphasizing the act of crossing a body of water or ferrying, while 过 is more general for passing through any space.
Usage Notes
When using 渡, be cautious about its context; it is more formal and specific than simply saying 'cross.' Common collocations include 渡过 (dùguò - to cross over) and 渡船 (dùchuán - ferry). Remember to use the correct tone, as a mispronunciation could change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 渡 is not included in the HSK levels, it relates to other words about travel and movement, such as 过 (guò - to pass) and 走 (zǒu - to go). Focus on practicing sentences that incorporate 渡 with these related verbs to enhance your understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 渡 with 过, using it in situations where 过 is more appropriate, such as saying '渡过马路' (crossing the road) instead of '过马路.' Remember, 渡 is best used for water-related crossings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渡
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How Well Do You Know 渡?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 渡 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.
渡 = 氵 + 度. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 渡
IDS Structure⿰氵度
渡Full Character
=
氵shui3
left
度du4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 渡?
How to say to cross in Chinese
“to cross” in Chinese is渡dù
The character 渡 (dù) primarily means 'to cross' or 'to ferry,' often used in contexts involving crossing rivers or other obstacles. It can also imply passing through something, whether physical or metaphorical. This word is commonly used in transportation contexts, especially when referring to ferries or bridges.
When to use 渡
When using 渡, be cautious about its context; it is more formal and specific than simply saying 'cross.' Common collocations include 渡过 (dùguò - to cross over) and 渡船 (dùchuán - ferry). Remember to use the correct tone, as a mispronunciation could change the meaning.
渡 or something close to it
渡 (dù) vs 过 (guò) — use 渡 when emphasizing the act of crossing a body of water or ferrying, while 过 is more general for passing through any space.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 渡 with 过, using it in situations where 过 is more appropriate, such as saying '渡过马路' (crossing the road) instead of '过马路.' Remember, 渡 is best used for water-related crossings.
Write 渡
渡
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Practice writing 渡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 渡
渡 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 4 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.
____船是苏格兰边远地区的生命线。
Ferries are a lifeline to the far-flung corners of Scotland.
Example Sentences for 渡 (10)
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1
渡船是苏格兰边远地区的生命线。
dù chuán shì sū gé lán biān yuǎn dì qū de shēng mìng xiàn。
Ferries are a lifeline to the far-flung corners of Scotland.
2
将近100万人渡过这条河进入摩尔达维亚。
jiāng jìn100 100 wàn rén dù guò zhè tiáo hé jìn rù mó ěr dá wéi。
Nearly one million people crossed over the river into Moldavia.
