島 (dǎo) - Island — a landmass completely surrounded by water & also used metaphorically for isolated places or concepts.

島Tone 3

dǎo ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

島 · dǎo

Island — a landmass completely surrounded by water;

also used metaphorically for isolated places or concepts.

Island — a landmass completely surrounded by wateralso used metaphorically for isolated places or concepts.

Usage highlights

IslandIsland countryPeninsulaArchipelagoIsolated islandDesert island

Synonyms

  • 屿— small island

Antonyms

  • 陆— land, continent
  • 洲— continent

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We visited a tropical island (热带岛屿).
  • Japan is an island country (岛国).
  • The island has beautiful beaches (岛屿海滩).
  • He lives on a small island (小岛).

Collocations

  • Island(岛屿)
  • Island country(岛国)
  • Peninsula(半岛)
  • Archipelago(群岛)
  • Isolated island(孤岛)
  • Desert island(荒岛)

Idioms

  • Like a reef standing firm in the ocean(中流砥柱)
  • A lonely boat on a vast ocean(一叶孤舟)
  • Safe and sound(安然无恙)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese culture, islands often symbolize isolation, independence, or refuge.
  • Many Chinese mythological tales feature mystical islands like Penglai, home to immortals.
  • Historically, islands served as strategic military outposts and trading hubs.

FAQ