Definitions

tāo bow case or scabbard; to hide; military strategy

Etymology phono-semantic

leather

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 韬 originates from its traditional form 韜, a composition of the component 韋 representing leather and 舀 primarily serving a phonetic function, which originally denoted a leather sheath or case for a bow or sword. From this tangible object, its meaning gradually expanded to encompass the abstract action of concealing or enveloping, akin to how a weapon is hidden within its scabbard. This semantic shift allowed the character to acquire metaphorical uses in classical texts, referring to the withholding of one's talents or the obscuring of strategic intentions. Over time, it became integral to terms concerning military stratagem and prudent conduct, such as in the compound 韬略, implying concealed plans or strategy. The simplified form 韬 maintains this conceptual heritage while modifying the leather component to 韦, a graphical reduction that aligns with broader orthographic trends without altering the fundamental relationship between its structure and evolved meanings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他名叫李,是我的同学。

Tā míng jiào Lǐ Tāo, shì wǒ de tóngxué.

His name is Li Tao, and he is my classmate.

这本书介绍了古代兵法家的略。

Zhè běn shū jièshào le gǔdài bīngfǎ jiā de tāolüè.

This book introduces the military strategies of ancient military tacticians.

将军的深谋远虑尽显其略。

Jiāngjūn de shēnmóuyuǎnlǜ jìn xiǎn qí tāolüè.

The general's foresight and deep planning fully demonstrate his strategic acumen.

他善于光养晦,从不轻易显露才华。

Tā shànyú tāoguāngyǎnghuì, cóng bù qīngyì xiǎnlù cáihuá.

He is good at concealing his abilities and biding his time, never showing off his talent easily.

这位政治家深谙晦之道。

Zhè wèi zhèngzhìjiā shēn ān tāo huì zhī dào.

This politician is deeply versed in the art of concealment and biding one's time.

公司的市场策略是一种商业略。

Gōngsī de shìchǎng cèlüè shì yī zhǒng shāngyè tāolüè.

The company's market strategy is a form of business stratagem.

他正潜心研读那部著名的兵书《六》。

Tā zhèng qiánxīn yándú nà bù zhùmíng de bīngshū "Liù Tāo".

He is diligently studying the famous military treatise "The Six Secret Teachings".

在复杂的环境中,需要智慧与略并存。

Zài fùzá de huánjìng zhōng, xūyào zhìhuì yǔ tāolüè bìng cún.

In complex environments, one needs both wisdom and strategic planning.