Definitions

dǎo (verb) to tread on; to trample; to stamp
dǎo (verb) to fulfill

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 蹈 is constructed from the semantic radical 足, denoting foot-related actions, and the phonetic element 舀, which guides its pronunciation, originally conveying the literal act of treading or stamping as seen in early textual usage. Over centuries, its application expanded beyond physical movement to encompass metaphorical actions, such as adhering to principles or rituals, and became integral to terms like 舞蹈, referring specifically to dance. This evolution reflects a shift from concrete to abstract uses while preserving the character's foundational link to motion initiated by the feet, allowing it to acquire nuanced layers in both literary and everyday language without alteration to its core composition.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 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 Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

她喜欢舞

Tā xǐhuān wǔdǎo.

She likes dance.

他在舞台上舞

Tā zài wǔtái shàng wǔdǎo.

He dances on the stage.

孩子们欢快地舞

Háizimen huānkuài de wǔdǎo.

The children dance cheerfully.

是一门艺术。

Wǔdǎo shì yī mén yìshù.

Dance is an art.

不要袭前人的错误。

Bùyào dǎoxí qiánrén de cuòwù.

Do not follow the mistakes of predecessors.

她舞动作很优美。

Tā wǔdǎo dòngzuò hěn yōuměi.

Her dance movements are very graceful.

学习舞需要耐心和练习。

Xuéxí wǔdǎo xūyào nàixīn hé liànxí.

Learning dance requires patience and practice.

他勇于险,探索未知领域。

Tā yǒng yú dǎo xiǎn, tànsuǒ wèizhī lǐngyù.

He is brave enough to take risks and explore unknown fields.