Definitions

dài (verb) to carry; to take along; to bring
dài (verb) to wear
dài (noun) belt; band; ribbon
dài (noun) area; zone; region
dài (verb) to lead

Etymology

Simplified form of . Pictograph of a woven belt.

About

The character "带", with its traditional form "帶", originated as a pictographic representation of a waist belt or sash, and its structure in the traditional script combines components suggesting a decorated cloth strip. Initially denoting a physical belt, its meaning extended to include any ribbon-like object or band, and later to geographical zones such as belts of land. The character's semantic development saw it evolve from a noun to a verb, acquiring senses like to wear, to carry, to bring along, and to lead, thereby encompassing both object and action in its modern usage.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

孩子去公园。

Dài háizi qù gōngyuán.

Take the child to the park.

请记得你的课本。

Qǐng jìde dài nǐ de kèběn.

Please remember to bring your textbook.

他出门总是着雨伞。

Tā chūmén zǒngshì dàizhe yǔsǎn.

He always carries an umbrella when he goes out.

老师的话给我们希望。

Lǎoshī de huà dài gěi wǒmen xīwàng.

The teacher's words bring us hope.

这条河一直延伸到那山区。

Zhè tiáo hé yīzhí yánshēn dào nà dài shānqū.

This river extends all the way to that mountainous area.

他的演讲有很强的感染力。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng dàiyǒu hěn qiáng de gǎnrǎn lì.

His speech carries a strong persuasive power.

经济发展动了就业增长。

Jīngjì fāzhǎn dàidòng le jiùyè zēngzhǎng.

Economic development has driven employment growth.

这项任务由他队负责完成。

Zhè xiàng rènwù yóu tā dàiduì fùzé wánchéng.

This task is under his responsibility to lead the team and complete it.