Definitions

(noun) degree; extent; intensity
(verb) to measure; to calculate
(noun) limit; restriction
(verb) to spend; to pass (time)
duó (verb) to estimate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning (using a hand to measure something) and represents the sound.

About

The character 度 is a compound with the radical 广 (yǎn), a roof or building, enclosing 廿 (niàn), meaning twenty, and 又 (yòu), a right hand. The hand suggests physical measuring, giving rise to its core meanings: systems of measurement, scales, degrees, and physical dimensions. From this concrete sense, the concept expanded to abstract limits, boundaries, and standards of behavior or tolerance. The character also developed a verbal sense meaning to pass or spend time, and takes on a different pronunciation when used as a verb for estimating or calculating.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 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 Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

今天温很高。

Jīntiān wēndù hěn gāo.

Today the temperature is very high.

这个角很特别。

Zhège jiǎodù hěn tèbié.

This angle is very special.

他态非常友好。

Tā tàidù fēi cháng yǒu hǎo.

His attitude is very friendly.

我们要过一个愉快的周末。

Wǒmen yào dùguò yīgè yúkuài de zhōumò.

We are going to spend a pleasant weekend.

请适使用手机。

Qǐng shìdù shǐyòng shǒujī.

Please use your phone in moderation.

他以很快的速跑了出去。

Tā yǐ hěn kuài de sùdù pǎole chūqù.

He ran out at a very fast speed.

这款软件提供了很大的自由

Zhè kuǎn ruǎnjiàn tígōngle hěn dà de zìyóu dù.

This software provides a great degree of freedom.

依赖技术可能带来问题。

Guòdù yīlài jìshù kěnéng dài lái wèntí.

Over-reliance on technology can cause problems.