度 (dù) - degree & measure

度Tone 4

dù ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 广

丁恩

度 · dù

degree;

measure;

limit;

extent;

to spend (time);

to pass (time);

a unit of measurement for angles, temperature, etc.

degreemeasurelimit

Usage highlights

temperaturespeedattitudeanglelatitude and longitudespend time

Synonyms

  • 量— to measure; quantity
  • 测— to survey; to measure

Antonyms

  • 限— limit; restriction (as opposite to freedom implied in 度)
  • 拘— restrain; constrain (opposite of 度's sense of measure and freedom)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The temperature is 25 degrees Celsius (25度).
  • We must maintain a certain level of moderation (适度).
  • He spent a year abroad (度过一年).
  • This is within acceptable limits (限度之内).

Collocations

  • temperature(温度)
  • speed(速度)
  • attitude(态度)
  • angle(角度)
  • latitude and longitude(纬度, 经度)
  • spend time(度过)

Idioms

  • To muddle along(敷衍度日)
  • To be in dire straits(度日如年)
  • To go through fire and water(赴汤度火)
  • To have a magnanimous tolerance(豁达大度)
  • To act according to circumstances(审时度势)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted measuring with a hand, evolving to represent standards and limits.
  • In Buddhism, 度 means 'to ferry across' or 'to liberate', as in crossing from suffering to enlightenment.
  • Used in various measurement systems including temperature (Celsius), angles, and geographic coordinates.

FAQ