Definitions

(verb) to hit; to strike; to beat
(verb) to play (a game; sport)
(verb) to make; to build; to create
(verb) to type; to input
(numeral) dozen

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "打" is structured with the hand radical 扌 on the left and the component 丁 on the right, indicating its fundamental connection to manual actions from its inception. Its core meaning originally pertained to striking or hitting, as evidenced in early literary usage. Over time, the semantic scope of "打" expanded beyond physical impact to encompass a broad range of verbal actions in compound formations, including modern concepts like typing, telephoning, and participating in sports, which illustrate its functional adaptation within the language.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我在电话。

Wǒ zài dǎ diànhuà.

I am making a phone call.

他每天篮球。

Tā měitiān dǎ lánqiú.

He plays basketball every day.

妈妈在扫房间。

Māma zài dǎsǎo fángjiān.

Mom is cleaning the room.

开窗户。

Qǐng dǎkāi chuānghu.

Please open the window.

我需要印这份文件。

Wǒ xūyào dǎyìn zhè fèn wénjiàn.

I need to print this document.

对不起,扰你了。

Duìbuqǐ, dǎrǎo nǐ le.

Sorry for disturbing you.

医生建议我针预防流感。

Yīshēng jiànyì wǒ dǎzhēn yùfáng liúgǎn.

The doctor advised me to get a shot to prevent the flu.

算明年去中国旅行。

Wǒ dǎsuàn míngnián qù Zhōngguó lǚxíng.

I plan to travel to China next year.