道
/tɑʊ̯⁵¹/
道 is the Chinese word for dao.
In a philosophical context, 道 refers to the fundamental, underlying principle of the universe in Taoism.
What does it mean word for word?
The character 道 literally means a way, path or a fundamental principle/truth.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɑʊ̯⁵¹/
Did you know?
- The word 道 functions as a verb meaning 'to speak' or 'to tell', which is why the word for 'to say' 说道 contains this character.
- The concept of 道 is so central to Chinese thought that it is often left undefined in texts, as describing the 'way' is seen as contradicting its true nature.
- In modern Chinese, 道 is not just a path but also a measure word used for things with a long, narrow shape like a street or a streak of light.
Examples in context
- 他为精神的洁净和获得道的方法教深思，道是表示人类最高的精神理想的一个原则。He taught contemplation as a means of spiritual purification and the attainment of the Dao, a principle that signifies the highest spiritual ideals of mankind.This sentence is useful for discussing how the attainment of 道 relates to spiritual purification and human ideals.Tatoeba #898000 by eastasiastudent, translation #898001 by eastasiastudent
- 道路road
- 道教Taoism
- 这条路this road
- 我们要寻找属于自己的道。Wǒmen yào xúnzhǎo shǔyú zìjǐ de dào.We must seek our own way.
- 他一生都在追求自己的道。Tā yìshēng dōu zài zhuīqiú zìjǐ de dào.He has spent his whole life pursuing his own way.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing an ancient philosophy book.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你觉得道是指什么？Jiāyí, nǐ juéde dào shì zhǐ shénme?Jiayi, what do you think the Dao refers to?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我觉得道是宇宙的规律。Wǒ juéde dào shì yǔzhòu de guīlǜ.I think the Dao is the law of the universe.
- 伟 Wei这种解释很有道理。Zhè zhǒng jiěshì hěn yǒu dàolǐ.That explanation makes a lot of sense.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，这正是道的核心。Shì de, zhè zhèng shì dào de héxīn.Yes, that is exactly the core of the Dao.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 道, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
