涂 (tú) - To smear, spread, apply (paint, plaster, etc.) & to scribble

涂Tone 2

tú ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

婷婉

涂 · tú

To smear, spread, apply (paint, plaster, etc.

);

to scribble;

to blot out;

also used in surnames and place names.

To smear, spread, apply (paint, plaster, etc.)to scribbleto blot out

Usage highlights

Apply paintSmear mudApply medicineScribble randomlyBlot out wordsRoad surface

Synonyms

  • 抹— to smear, to wipe
  • 擦— to rub, to wipe
  • 漆— to paint, to lacquer

Antonyms

  • 擦— to erase, to wipe off
  • 除— to remove, to eliminate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He painted the wall (涂墙).
  • Apply ointment to the wound (涂药膏).
  • The child scribbled on the paper (在纸上乱涂).
  • The name was erased from the list (从名单上涂掉).

Collocations

  • Apply paint(涂漆)
  • Smear mud(涂泥)
  • Apply medicine(涂药)
  • Scribble randomly(乱涂)
  • Blot out words(涂字)
  • Road surface(涂面)

Idioms

  • Living in hardship and destitution(生灵涂炭)
  • Smearing powder and applying ink — applying makeup(涂脂抹粉)
  • Smearing east and smearing west — acting without a plan(东涂西抹)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to applying mud or plaster in ancient times.
  • The character is used in the idiom '生灵涂炭' describing people living in extreme misery.
  • 涂 is a common Chinese surname with historical roots.
  • In traditional culture, '涂' carries connotations of both creation (applying decoration) and destruction (erasing).

FAQ