蹈 (dǎo) - To tread on & to step on

蹈Tone 3

dǎo ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

蹈 · dǎo

To tread on;

to step on;

to follow;

to practice;

to dance (in classical contexts).

To tread onto step onto follow

Usage highlights

To danceTo follow old waysTo tread on dangerTo step into a trapTo practice repeatedlyTo follow precedents

Synonyms

  • 踏— to step on; to tread
  • 踩— to step on; to trample
  • 循— to follow; to abide by

Antonyms

  • 违— to violate; to disobey
  • 背— to betray; to turn one's back on

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He treads on the grass (蹈草).
  • Follow the old path (蹈旧径).
  • Practice what one preaches (躬行实践).
  • The dancer's movements (舞蹈动作).

Collocations

  • To dance(舞蹈)
  • To follow old ways(蹈袭)
  • To tread on danger(蹈险)
  • To step into a trap(蹈阱)
  • To practice repeatedly(蹈厉)
  • To follow precedents(蹈常袭故)

Idioms

  • To charge ahead fearlessly(赴汤蹈火)
  • To follow the same old routine(重蹈覆辙)
  • To tread on thin ice(如蹈水火)
  • Full of fighting spirit(发扬蹈厉)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted the physical act of stepping or treading, later extended to metaphorical following of paths or principles.
  • In classical texts, often associated with ceremonial or martial movements, as in 舞蹈 (dance) and 蹈厉 (martial stepping).
  • The idiom 赴汤蹈火 (go through hot water and tread on fire) exemplifies extreme dedication and bravery in Chinese cultural values.

FAQ