dào HSK 4

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他把杯子倒过来了。
Tā bǎ bēizi dào guòlái le.
He turned the cup upside down.
这本书倒着放。
Zhè běn shū dào zhe fàng.
This book is placed upside down.
我倒了茶给你。
Wǒ dào le chá gěi nǐ.
I poured tea for you.
我倒了一杯水。
Wǒ dào le yī bēi shuǐ.
I poured a glass of water.
他倒着走路。
Tā dàozhe zǒulù.
He walks backwards.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 倒 as 'pouring' a different perspective into a conversation—like tipping over expectations to reveal a surprising contrast. Associate it with the phrase '倒过来看' (look at it the other way around) to remember its contrasting function.

📝 Usage Notes

倒 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, in informal to semi-formal contexts. It often appears in conversational settings to express disagreement, surprise, or a nuanced contrast, such as when offering a different perspective or acknowledging an unexpected outcome.

📖 Grammar Points

倒 typically precedes a verb or adjective in a sentence to modify it, often used in structures like 'Subject + 倒 + Verb/Adjective + ...' to contrast with a previous statement. It can also be paired with 是 or other adverbs for emphasis, e.g., '倒是'.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, using 倒 can help maintain harmony by softening disagreements or expressing modesty, as it subtly introduces a contrasting view without sounding confrontational.

🔄 Similar Words

倒 is similar to 却 (què), which also indicates contrast, but 倒 adds a softer, more surprising or concessive tone, while 却 is more neutral and direct in showing a turn of events.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn in CILI →

Related Words