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March 24, 2026
道德dàodé(dao4de2)
道德 (dào dé) refers to the principles of right and wrong behavior, often encapsulating concepts of virtue and ethics. It is commonly used in discussions about personal integrity, societal norms, and philosophical debates regarding morality. The term is frequently invoked in both formal discussions and everyday conversations about what is considered acceptable or commendable behavior.
Frequency#2903DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 道德 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of moral integrity and social harmony. Discussions of 道德 often reflect the collective expectations of society and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise old man (道) standing at the crossroads of life, holding a scale (德) that weighs actions between good and bad. This visual helps remember that '道' represents the path or way, while '德' signifies virtue, collectively emphasizing the moral path one should follow.
Meanings of 道德
dàodé(dao4de2)
1virtue
2morality
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 道德
道德Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2903Frequency Rank
种Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 道德
Podcast: 道德
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AI Study Notes for 道德
Quick Contrast
伦理 (lúnlǐ) vs 道德 (dàodé): use 伦理 when discussing theoretical frameworks of ethics, while 道德 emphasizes practical moral principles.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise old man (道) standing at the crossroads of life, holding a scale (德) that weighs actions between good and bad. This visual helps remember that '道' represents the path or way, while '德' signifies virtue, collectively emphasizing the moral path one should follow.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 道德 with similar terms like 伦理 (lún lǐ), which specifically refers to ethics in a more academic sense. It's important to use 道德 in both formal discussions and daily life settings when talking about moral values. Pay attention to the pronunciation tones, as mispronouncing either character can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 道德 connects with other vocabulary related to ethics and values, such as 伦理 (lún lǐ) and 价值观 (jià zhí guān). Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, particularly in literature and moral discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 道德 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of moral integrity and social harmony. Discussions of 道德 often reflect the collective expectations of society and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up 道德 with 价值观 (jià zhí guān), which refers to values rather than morality. For example, saying '我认为道德是我的价值观' (I think morality is my values) is incorrect; it should be '道德是我认为的道德标准' (Morality is my standard of ethics).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 道德
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Grammar Patterns of 道德
道德 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 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这位首相无视____问题。
The prime minister has a blind spot on ethical issues.
Example Sentences for 道德 (10)
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1
这位首相无视道德问题。
zhè wèi shǒu xiāng wú shì dào dé wèn tí。
The prime minister has a blind spot on ethical issues.
2
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。
bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。
Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."
3
若有犯罪或不道德的行为，他们就会被解雇。
ruò yǒu fàn zuì huò bù dào dé de háng wéi， ， tā mén jiù huì bèi jiě。
They would be sacked for criminal or scandalous behaviour.
4
她的案例属于道德法律的范畴。
tā de àn lì shǔ yú dào dé fǎ lǜ de fàn chóu。
Her case falls within the ambit of moral law.
5
从智识、道德和现实的角度来看，这一论点是站不住脚的。
cóng zhì shí、 、 dào dé hé xiàn shí de jiǎo dù lái， kàn ， zhè yī lùn diǎn shì zhàn bù zhù。
This argument is untenable from an intellectual, moral and practical standpoint.
6
严格的职业道德源于清教主义。
yán gé de zhí yè dào dé yuán yú qīng jiào zhǔ yì。
Out of Puritanism came the intense work ethic.
7
堕胎从道德上讲合乎情理吗？
duò tāi cóng dào dé shàng jiǎng hé hū qíng lǐ ma？
Is abortion morally defensible?
8
何春蕤是位勇气十足、道德感强烈的学者和作家.
hé chūn ruí shì wèi yǒng qì shí zú、 、 dào dé gǎn qiáng liè de xué zhě hé zuò.
Josephine Ho is a courageous and ethical scholar and writer.
kào zháo yī zhǒng shēng huó bì xū pǐn zhuàn zhè mó duō qián， ， zhè zài dào dé shàng shuō dé guò qù？
Can it be moral to make so much money out of a commodity which is essential to life?
Cultural Notes for 道德
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 道德 is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of moral integrity and social harmony. Discussions of 道德 often reflect the collective expectations of society and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While Western cultures often emphasize individualism in moral discussions, Chinese culture tends to prioritize collective harmony and responsibility, making 道德 a central concept in social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 道德
道德 refers to general morality and virtuous behavior, while 伦理 specifically relates to ethics in a philosophical or professional context.
Yes, 道德 is often used in both formal and informal settings when discussing moral behavior and ethical standards.
It is pronounced dào dé, with the first syllable in the fourth tone and the second syllable in the second tone.
