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March 24, 2026
霸道bàdào(ba4dao4)
霸道 (bà dào) refers to a way of ruling characterized by despotism and might, often contrasted with the more benevolent '王道' (way of the king). It is commonly used to describe a tyrannical approach or a strong, overpowering presence, whether in political contexts or in describing potent substances like liquor or medicine.
Frequency#19606DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
霸道 has historical roots in ancient Chinese governance, where rulers often employed tyrannical methods to maintain control. This concept reflects the tension between benevolent leadership and despotic rule prevalent in Chinese political philosophy.
Memory Tip
Think of 霸 (bà) as a 'bully' who dominates others, and 道 (dào) as 'path'—together they form a 'path of a bully' or a tyrannical way. Imagine a powerful ruler who demands obedience, symbolizing the essence of 霸道.
Meanings of 霸道
bàdào(ba4dao4)
1the Way of the Hegemon, abbr. of 霸王之道
2despotic rule
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 霸道
霸道Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#19606Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 霸道
Podcast: 霸道
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AI Study Notes for 霸道
Quick Contrast
王道 (wáng dào) - use 霸道 when emphasizing a tyrannical or forceful approach, while 王道 suggests a benevolent or righteous way of ruling.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 霸 (bà) as a 'bully' who dominates others, and 道 (dào) as 'path'—together they form a 'path of a bully' or a tyrannical way. Imagine a powerful ruler who demands obedience, symbolizing the essence of 霸道.
Usage Notes
When using 霸道, be mindful of its negative connotations. It is informal and typically used in critical contexts, so avoid using it to describe positive authority. Common collocations include '霸道的行为' (tyrannical behavior) and '霸道的统治' (despotic rule).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 霸道 connects well with other advanced vocabulary relating to authority and governance. Students should focus on understanding its nuances and using it in both spoken and written contexts, especially in discussions about leadership styles.
Cultural Note
霸道 has historical roots in ancient Chinese governance, where rulers often employed tyrannical methods to maintain control. This concept reflects the tension between benevolent leadership and despotic rule prevalent in Chinese political philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 霸道 with more neutral terms for authority. For example, saying '这位领导很霸道' (This leader is very domineering) can sound overly harsh; instead, consider '这位领导很有权威' (This leader is very authoritative) for a more neutral tone.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 霸道
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Grammar Patterns of 霸道
霸道 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 9 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 3
Complete the Sentence
管事者专横____，典型的小地方人。
The guy in charge was the typical smalltown tyrant.
Example Sentences for 霸道 (3)
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1
管事者专横霸道，典型的小地方人。
guǎn shì zhě zhuān héng bà dào， ， diǎn xíng de xiǎo dì fāng。
The guy in charge was the typical smalltown tyrant.
2
他不想让自己显得太专横霸道。
tā bù xiǎng ràng zì jǐ xiǎn dé tài zhuān héng bà dào。
He wants to be seen as less bossy and high-handed.
"Hello!" the voice said, more peremptorily. "Who is it? Who do you want?"
Cultural Notes for 霸道
🏮Cultural insight
霸道 has historical roots in ancient Chinese governance, where rulers often employed tyrannical methods to maintain control. This concept reflects the tension between benevolent leadership and despotic rule prevalent in Chinese political philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions about 霸道
Yes, it usually carries negative implications, referring to oppressive or tyrannical rule.
No, it is primarily used to describe negative traits or behaviors.
The opposite would be 王道 (wáng dào), which signifies a benevolent and just way of ruling.
