Common Meanings
1
dào道
refers to a road, path, or way; a direction or route
这条道路通向海边，风景非常优美。
This road leads to the seaside, and the scenery is very beautiful.
Refers to rules, principles, and moral conduct, often implying reason, ethics, or justice.
我们应该遵守社会的道德和道义，这样才能活得有道理。
We should uphold society's morals and justice, for this is the path to living a principled and reasonable life.
A system of thought, especially religious or philosophical principles or teachings.
这位僧人一生致力于传道授业，普度众生
This monk dedicated his life to propagating his teachings and saving all sentient beings.
Method, way, technique, knack.
学习一项新技能，需要找到其中的门道
To learn a new skill, you need to find the knack of it.
Refers to 'Daoism' (Daojia), an ancient Chinese school of thought primarily represented by Laozi and Zhuangzi.
老子是道家学派的创始人之一。
Laozi is one of the founders of the Daoist school of thought.
Refers to Taoism, one of China's main religions, and related concepts such as Taoist temples (道观), priests (道士), priestesses (道姑), and spiritual cultivation or skill (道行).
这位老道士的道行很高深，他在道观里修行了数十年。
This old Taoist priest has profound spiritual cultivation; he has practiced in the Taoist temple for decades.
Refers to certain superstitious or cult-like organizations, often with a deceptive or harmful nature.
他听说过一些不法分子的会道门活动。
He had heard about the cult activities of some unlawful elements.
To say; to speak; to talk.
常言道，熟能生巧。
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
To express feelings or intentions verbally, such as to congratulate, apologize, or thank.
他特意打电话来道谢，感谢大家的帮助。
He specifically called to express his thanks, grateful for everyone's help.
A line, streak, or mark, often referring to an informal or incidental mark on a surface.
小明不小心在书上划了一道儿。
Xiao Ming accidentally made a mark in the book.
An administrative division in Chinese history; equivalent to a province during the Tang Dynasty, and a sub-provincial division during the Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.
唐代设十道，管理全国。
The Tang Dynasty established ten circuits to govern the whole country.
An administrative division in some countries, historically or currently.
在古代，这条河是两个道之间的界限。
In ancient times, this river served as the boundary between two 'dao' (administrative regions).
A measure word used for long, narrow objects (like rivers, rays of light), barriers or structures (like doors, walls), and layers or coats (like paint).
这座古老的桥梁由两道拱门支撑。
This ancient bridge is supported by two arched gates.
A unit of length, equivalent to a 'humimeter' (0.01 millimeters), used to describe very small thicknesses.
这种材料的薄膜厚度只有几道
The film thickness of this material is only a few humimeters.