No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word (dāo) primarily refers to a knife or blade, a common tool or weapon with a sharp edge. It is often used in everyday contexts related to cooking or cutting. Additionally, can refer to traditional Chinese swords or weapons, especially in historical or martial arts contexts.

Common Collocations

  • (dāozi): knife, a general term for cutting tools.
  • (dāofēng): blade edge, often used to describe sharpness.
  • (dāofǎ): knife technique, common in martial arts.

Surname Usage

Besides its literal meaning, is also a Chinese surname, though it is relatively rare. When used as a surname, it is pronounced the same but contextually understood as a family name.

Usage Notes

When talking about kitchen knives, is often combined with (zi) to form , which is more colloquial. In martial arts or historical contexts, refers to a single-edged sword, distinct from 剑 (jiàn), which is double-edged. Be careful not to confuse as a surname with its common noun usage; usually, the context or a preceding word like (surname) clarifies this.

Summary

Understanding involves recognizing its dual role as a common noun for knives and blades and as a proper noun for a surname. Its usage spans everyday life, culinary contexts, and cultural or historical references.

Example Sentences

He uses a knife to cut vegetables very skillfully.

This knife is very sharp, be careful when using it.

The dao is one of the traditional Chinese weapons.

His surname is Dao, which is not very common.