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March 24, 2026
导游(導遊)dǎoyóu(dao3you2)
导游 (dǎoyóu) refers to a person who leads and accompanies tourists, providing information about the sights and culture of a location. It can also refer to a guidebook that offers similar information. The term is commonly used in travel contexts, especially when discussing organized tours.
Frequency#11347DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, hiring a 导游 is common for domestic and international tourists, especially in places rich in history like Beijing or Xi'an, where a guide can provide in-depth insights into cultural landmarks.
Memory Tip
Think of 导 (dǎo) as a 'leader' and 游 (yóu) as 'to roam or travel.' Imagine a friendly guide leading a group of travelers through beautiful sights, helping them navigate and enjoy their adventures. The '3' in pinyin sounds like 'dao' and can remind you of a road or path, which a guide helps you explore.
Meanings of 导游
dǎoyóu(dao3you2)
1tour guide
2guidebook
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About 导游
导游Simplified
導遊Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11347Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 导游
Podcast: 导游
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AI Study Notes for 导游
Quick Contrast
景点 (jǐngdiǎn) vs 导游 (dǎoyóu): 景点 refers to specific tourist attractions, while 导游 refers to the person who guides tourists to those attractions.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 导 (dǎo) as a 'leader' and 游 (yóu) as 'to roam or travel.' Imagine a friendly guide leading a group of travelers through beautiful sights, helping them navigate and enjoy their adventures. The '3' in pinyin sounds like 'dao' and can remind you of a road or path, which a guide helps you explore.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 导游 with similar terms like 旅行社 (lǚxíngshè), which means travel agency. 导游 is informal and typically used when discussing someone personally leading a tour. Note that the tone is crucial; mispronouncing either syllable could lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 导游 connects with other travel-related vocabulary such as 旅行 (lǚxíng, to travel) and 景点 (jǐngdiǎn, scenic spot). Students should focus on using it in context, such as asking for a tour guide or discussing travel plans.
Cultural Note
In China, hiring a 导游 is common for domestic and international tourists, especially in places rich in history like Beijing or Xi'an, where a guide can provide in-depth insights into cultural landmarks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say 导航 (dǎoháng), which means 'navigation,' instead of 导游. To correct this, remember that 导游 is specifically for tour guides and involves leading people on tours.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 导游
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Grammar Patterns of 导游
导游 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In China, hiring a 导游 is common for domestic and international tourists, especially in places rich in history like Beijing or Xi'an, where a guide can provide in-depth insights into cultural landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions about 导游
导游 refers specifically to the tour guide who leads the tour, while 旅行社 is the travel agency that arranges the tours.
Yes, 导游 can refer to both a person who guides tours and a guidebook that contains information about tourist attractions.
Yes, but it is more commonly used in informal situations when discussing personal experiences with tour guides.
