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

is a phonosemantic compound composed of the hand radical and the phonetic component . The hand radical indicates that the original meaning relates to striking or hitting something with the hands or an implement. Over time, this fundamental sense of physical action expanded far beyond its literal bounds, making the character one of the most versatile verbs in the language. It now serves as a general-purpose action verb used in dozens of everyday contexts, playing sports, making phone calls, typing, packing, buying goods, and any task where the hands are actively involved.

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.