岛 — meaning in English: island

dǎo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for island

岛

dǎo

报告

bàogào

步骤

bùzhòu

推出

tuīchū

颈部

jǐng bù

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 岛 (dǎo) when discussing geography, travel plans, or when referring to various famous islands in China, such as Hainan Island. You'll often hear it in conversations about vacation destinations, environmental topics, or when sharing stories about personal experiences on an island.

Synonyms & nuances

A similar word is 岸 (àn), which means 'bank' or 'shore'. While 岛 (dǎo) refers specifically to an island, 岸 (àn) conveys the idea of land bordering a body of water. Use 岛 when you want to highlight the uniqueness of an island, whereas 岸 is more about the land next to water.

Culture

The character 岛 (dǎo) has an interesting etymology; it combines the radical for 'mountain' with a phonetic component that suggests a location surrounded by water. In Chinese culture, islands often symbolize isolation or tranquility, making them popular settings in literature and poetry, such as the famous 'Peach Blossom Island' from the novel 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 岛 in Mandarin?

The word 岛 is pronounced as dǎo, with a falling tone. It's important to use the correct tone to convey the meaning accurately.

Q.Can 岛 be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, 岛 is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about travel plans or discussing geographical features. It's a useful word to know if you're interested in travel or geography.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 岛?

A common mistake is confusing 岛 (dǎo) with 吧 (ba), which is a particle used to make suggestions or soft commands. Remember that 岛 specifically means 'island', while 吧 serves a different grammatical purpose.

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