道别 (dàobié) means to say goodbye or take leave of someone. It is commonly used in contexts where a person is parting ways with another, whether temporarily or permanently, and conveys a sense of farewell. The term combines 道, meaning 'to say' or 'to speak,' with 别, meaning 'to part' or 'to separate.'
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
dàobié(dao4bie2) T4
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May 27, 2026
道别dàobié(dao4bie2)
道别 (dàobié) means to say goodbye or take leave of someone. It is commonly used in contexts where a person is parting ways with another, whether temporarily or permanently, and conveys a sense of farewell. The term combines 道, meaning 'to say' or 'to speak,' with 别, meaning 'to part' or 'to separate.'
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, saying goodbye can carry significant emotional weight, often reflecting deep respect and connection. It's common to express well wishes when parting, making the act of 道别 more than just a simple farewell.
Memory Tip
Imagine a friend waving goodbye at the end of a journey, saying '道 (dào) you have a safe trip!' as they part ways. The character 别 (bié) looks like a person separating from another—together, they form the act of saying goodbye.
About 道别
道别Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 道别
Podcast: 道别
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AI Study Notes for 道别
Quick Contrast
告别 (gàobié) — use 道别 when emphasizing the act of saying goodbye, while 告别 focuses more on the act of parting itself.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a friend waving goodbye at the end of a journey, saying '道 (dào) you have a safe trip!' as they part ways. The character 别 (bié) looks like a person separating from another—together, they form the act of saying goodbye.
Usage Notes
道别 is generally used in more formal or serious contexts rather than casual goodbyes. Be careful not to confuse it with informal phrases like 拜拜 (bàibài), which are more relaxed. It’s also important to use the correct tone; mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 7 word, focus on its usage in various contexts, including formal situations and written communication. Connect it with other farewell expressions you have learned, such as 再见 (zàijiàn) or 告别 (gàobié), to enrich your vocabulary around goodbyes.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, saying goodbye can carry significant emotional weight, often reflecting deep respect and connection. It's common to express well wishes when parting, making the act of 道别 more than just a simple farewell.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 道别 with 拜拜 (bàibài) and use it in informal contexts, which can sound overly formal. For example, saying '道别' to a friend when leaving a casual gathering is incorrect; prefer '拜拜' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 道别
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Cultural Notes for 道别
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, saying goodbye can carry significant emotional weight, often reflecting deep respect and connection. It's common to express well wishes when parting, making the act of 道别 more than just a simple farewell.
Frequently Asked Questions about 道别
It's best reserved for more formal or significant farewells; casual situations typically call for 拜拜 (bàibài) or 再见 (zàijiàn).
Yes, 道别 can be used for both temporary and permanent separations, but the context will guide the emotional tone.
While both mean 'to say goodbye,' 道别 is more about the act of saying farewell, whereas 告别 often emphasizes the act of parting, especially in more serious or final situations.
