韜 (tāo) - Tao — to conceal, to hide & a sheath or scabbard

韜Tone 1

tāo ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

檀婷

韜 · tāo

Tao — to conceal, to hide;

a sheath or scabbard;

military strategy or tactics;

to contain or restrain.

Tao — to conceal, to hidea sheath or scabbardmilitary strategy or tactics

Usage highlights

Conceal one's brillianceMilitary strategySheath and bowCivil and military strategyHide one's capabilitiesStrategy and schemes

Synonyms

  • 藏— to hide, conceal
  • 隐— to conceal, hide
  • 谋— strategy, scheme
  • 略— strategy, plan

Antonyms

  • 露— to reveal, expose
  • 显— to show, display
  • 扬— to publicize, spread

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He concealed his talents (韬光养晦).
  • This is a book on military strategy (韬略).
  • The sword is in its scabbard (剑韬).
  • She has great strategic wisdom (文韬武略).

Collocations

  • Conceal one's brilliance(韬光)
  • Military strategy(韬略)
  • Sheath and bow-case(韬弓)
  • Civil and military strategy(文韬武略)
  • Hide one's capabilities(韬晦)
  • Strategy and schemes(韬钤)

Idioms

  • Hide one's capabilities and bide one's time(韬光养晦)
  • Civil and military strategies complete(文韬武略)
  • Conceal weapons and store armor(韬戈卷甲)
  • Hide traces and conceal form(韬迹隐智)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to a bow case or sword sheath, symbolizing concealment and protection.
  • Extended to mean military strategy, reflecting the Sun Tzu principle of deception in warfare.
  • The character embodies the traditional wisdom of humility and strategic patience.
  • Often used in names to suggest depth, wisdom, and reserved strength.

FAQ