导

導

dǎo

寸 + 巳

Definitions

dǎo (verb) to guide; to lead

dǎo (verb) to conduct; to direct

dǎo (verb) to transmit

dǎo (noun) guide; lead

Etymology

Simplified form of 導. Phonosemantic compound. 寸 represents the meaning and 道 represents the sound.

About

导 is the simplified form of 導, a phono-semantic compound. The traditional character pairs the semantic component 寸 (cùn), depicting a hand, also a unit of measure, with the phonetic 道 (dào, "road" or "way"), which supplies the sound. Its original sense was to lead someone by the hand along a path or point out the right direction. In the simplification, the upper 道 is replaced by the simpler 巳 (sì), removing the phonetic clue while the meaning-bearing 寸 remains intact. Today, the character covers leadership, guidance, instruction, navigation, and the physical conduction of electricity or heat.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

导游带我们参观博物馆。

Dǎoyóu dài wǒmen cānguān bówùguǎn.

The tour guide took us to visit the museum.

导演拍了一部新电影。

Dǎoyǎn pāi le yī bù xīn diànyǐng.

The director made a new movie.

导购员耐心介绍产品功能。

Dǎogòuyuán nàixīn jièshào chǎnpǐn gōngnéng.

The shopping assistant patiently introduced the product functions.

疏忽导致严重的事故。

Shūhū dǎozhì yánzhòng de shìgù.

Negligence led to a serious accident.

父母应正确引导孩子成长。

Fùmǔ yīng zhèngquè yǐndǎo háizi chéngzhǎng.

Parents should correctly guide children's growth.

那次谈判成为合作的导火线。

Nà cì tánpàn chéngwéi hézuò de dǎohuǒxiàn.

That negotiation became the fuse for cooperation.

课程导论阐述了基本概念。

Kèchéng dǎolùn chǎnshù le jīběn gàiniàn.

The course introduction explained the basic concepts.

在复杂形势下，需要战略引导未来发展。

Zài fùzá xíngshì xià, xūyào zhànlüè yǐndǎo wèilái fāzhǎn.

Under complex circumstances, strategic guidance is needed for future development.

Related Characters

Component: 寸

Component: 巳

导