Dao 道

Dao (道), is a hanzi (漢字; Han Chinese character) that has different meanings depending on the context. Meanings of Dao (道) includes:

• To speak, to tell, or to talk (when used as a verb)
  • 說：常言道​​​
• Literal paths and passages, such as roads, waterways, and etc.
  • 路：街道、河道
• Metaphoric paths; in other words, the methods or process of achieving a goal
  • 方向，途徑：志同道合、分道揚鑣
• A philosophy relating to the law and order of the natural world and its occurrences, such as the central philosophy of Daoism (Taoism)
  • 傳統思想流派與理念：天道、道家、道教
• Skill sets that are often technical, artistic, and/or ritualistic, such as xiang-dao (香道; incense ceremony), cha-dao (茶道; tea ceremony)
  • 技術或方法：香道、茶道、醫道
• Narrow, linear marks and traces
  • 線條：鉛筆道兒
• A classifier in Chinese
  • 用作量詞 ​

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​Reference:

1. Xinhua Zidian 新华字典 [Xinhua Dictionary]. 11th ed. The Commercial Press 商务印书馆, 2011. Available as an iPad app.​​