Definitions

dǎo (verb) to guide; to lead
dǎo (verb) to conduct; to direct
dǎo (verb) to transmit
dǎo (noun) guide; lead

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The traditional character "導" is structurally composed of "道" meaning path and "寸" representing hand or action, etymologically conveying the idea of guiding along a way, with its core meaning consistently focused on leading or directing. The simplified form "导" modifies this by replacing the "道" component with "巳", which primarily functions as a phonetic element, while retaining "寸" to sustain the semantic link to controlled action. Over time, the character's usage has broadened from physical guidance to abstract applications such as conducting electricity, directing artistic works, and instructing in educational contexts, yet its fundamental sense of providing direction has remained unchanged.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

游带我们参观博物馆。

Dǎoyóu dài wǒmen cānguān bówùguǎn.

The tour guide took us to visit the museum.

演拍了一部新电影。

Dǎoyǎn pāi le yī bù xīn diànyǐng.

The director made a new movie.

购员耐心介绍产品功能。

Dǎogòuyuán nàixīn jièshào chǎnpǐn gōngnéng.

The shopping assistant patiently introduced the product functions.

疏忽致严重的事故。

Shūhū dǎozhì yánzhòng de shìgù.

Negligence led to a serious accident.

父母应正确引孩子成长。

Fùmǔ yīng zhèngquè yǐndǎo háizi chéngzhǎng.

Parents should correctly guide children's growth.

那次谈判成为合作的火线。

Nà cì tánpàn chéngwéi hézuò de dǎohuǒxiàn.

That negotiation became the fuse for cooperation.

课程论阐述了基本概念。

Kèchéng dǎolùn chǎnshù le jīběn gàiniàn.

The course introduction explained the basic concepts.

在复杂形势下,需要战略引未来发展。

Zài fùzá xíngshì xià, xūyào zhànlüè yǐndǎo wèilái fāzhǎn.

Under complex circumstances, strategic guidance is needed for future development.