Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
轨道 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
轨道
guǐdào
orbit
HSK 6, n, 18 strokes, rank #4818, Hard
轨道
guǐdào
railway or tram line
HSK 6, n, 18 strokes, rank #4818, Hard
轨道
guǐdào
fig. conventional way of thinking
HSK 6, n, 18 strokes, rank #4818, Hard
guǐdào(gui3dao4)gui dao T3
1orbit
2railway or tram line
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
轨道(軌道)guǐdào(gui3dao4)
轨道 (guǐ dào) refers to a physical path or track, such as a railway or tram line. It can also denote an orbit in astronomy or metaphorically describe conventional ways of thinking or established norms. In various contexts, it emphasizes a structured route or a predefined framework.
Strokes18Frequency#4818DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese urban development, the term 轨道交通 (rail transit) has become increasingly important, reflecting the rapid expansion of cities and the emphasis on public transportation systems. This term is often associated with China's modern infrastructure and urban planning.
Memory tip
Think of the character 轨 (guǐ) as a 'track' with its horizontal lines symbolizing the rails, while 道 (dào) resembles a path or road. Imagine a train smoothly following its轨道 (track) while orbiting around a central point, which helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 轨道
guǐdào(gui3dao4)
1orbit
2railway or tram line
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 轨道 means.
About 轨道
轨道Simplified
軌道Traditional
18Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4818Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRC1
Podcast: 轨道
Podcast: 轨道
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 轨道
Quick Contrast
轨迹 (guǐjì) refers to the actual path or trajectory taken by an object, emphasizing movement, whereas 轨道 (guǐdào) implies a fixed path or track that is established and does not change.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the context in which you use 轨道, as it can refer to both physical tracks and abstract ideas. It is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in technical discussions. Collocations include 轨道交通 (rail transit) and 轨道系统 (track system).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 轨道 connects to other vocabulary related to transportation and abstract concepts of structure or frameworks. Students should focus on differentiating its physical meanings from its metaphorical uses in discussions about ideas and norms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 轨道 with 行道 (xíng dào), which means 'way of walking' or 'path.' Remember that 轨道 specifically refers to tracks or orbits, while 行道 relates more to movement or pathways.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 轨道
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 轨道, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 轨道 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 轨道?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 轨道 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.
轨道 (guǐ dào) refers to a physical path or track, such as a railway or tram line. It can also denote an orbit in astronomy or metaphorically describe conventional ways of thinking or established norms. In various contexts, it emphasizes a structured route or a predefined framework.
When to use 轨道
Be cautious of the context in which you use 轨道, as it can refer to both physical tracks and abstract ideas. It is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in technical discussions. Collocations include 轨道交通 (rail transit) and 轨道系统 (track system).
轨道 or something close to it
轨迹 (guǐjì) refers to the actual path or trajectory taken by an object, emphasizing movement, whereas 轨道 (guǐdào) implies a fixed path or track that is established and does not change.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 轨道 with 行道 (xíng dào), which means 'way of walking' or 'path.' Remember that 轨道 specifically refers to tracks or orbits, while 行道 relates more to movement or pathways.
Write 轨道
轨
道
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 轨道 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 轨道
轨道 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 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.
其____速度一定是在每秒几百米。
Her orbital speed must be a few hundred meters per second.
Example sentences for 轨道 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
其轨道速度一定是在每秒几百米。
qí guǐdào sùdù yídìng shì zài měi miǎo jǐ bǎi mǐ。
Her orbital speed must be a few hundred meters per second.
2
他开始对在这节短轨道上开来开去有些厌倦了.
tā kāishǐ duì zài zhè jié duǎn guǐdào shàng kāi lái kāi qù yǒuxiē yànjuàn le.
He grew weary of running to and fro on the short track.
3
它正驶过旁边轨道上的几节车厢.
tā zhèng shǐ guò pángbiān guǐdào shàng de jǐ jié chēxiāng.
It was running by some cars on a side track.
4
所有物体的轨道几乎都在同一平面上.
suǒyǒu wùtǐ de guǐdào jīhū dōu zài tóngyī píngmiàn shàng.
All the orbits lie nearly in the same plane.
5
探索者1号比两颗史泼尼克号进入的轨道都更高一些.
tànsuǒ zhě1 hào bǐ liǎng kē Shǐ pō ní kè hào jìnrù de guǐdào dōu gèng gāo yìxiē.
Explorer One went into a higher orbit than either Sputnik.
6
这颗彗星的轨道与地球的轨道交叉。
zhè kē huì xīng de guǐdào yǔ dìqiú de guǐdào jiāochā。
The orbit of this comet intersects the orbit of the Earth.
