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March 24, 2026
倒数(倒數)dàoshǔ(dao4shu3)
倒数 (dàoshǔ) refers to the action of counting backwards, such as counting down from a certain number, often used in contexts like countdowns or assessments. It can also mean the reciprocal of a number in mathematics. This term is used both in informal settings when talking about time or events and in formal academic discussions related to mathematics.
Frequency#4209DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, countdowns are significant during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where people often count down to midnight. This makes the term '倒数' particularly relevant during festive occasions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a countdown timer at a race starting at 10. As you count down, you say ‘倒数’ (dàoshǔ) to remind you that you are going backwards in numbers. The character '倒' (dào) looks like a person tipping over, which can help you visualize the idea of reversing or going backwards.
Meanings of 倒数
dàoshǔ(dao4shu3)
primary
1to count backwards (from 10 down to 0)
2inverse number
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About 倒数
倒数Simplified
倒數Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 倒数
Podcast: 倒数
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AI Study Notes for 倒数
Quick Contrast
倒计时 (dàojìshí) refers specifically to a countdown timer, while 倒数 (dàoshǔ) can refer to the act of counting backwards in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a countdown timer at a race starting at 10. As you count down, you say ‘倒数’ (dàoshǔ) to remind you that you are going backwards in numbers. The character '倒' (dào) looks like a person tipping over, which can help you visualize the idea of reversing or going backwards.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use '倒数' in contexts where counting backwards is appropriate, as using it in a forward counting context may confuse listeners. It is generally informal when referring to countdowns but can also appear in more formal math discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with '正数' (zhèngshù), which means positive or forward counting numbers.
HSK Study Tips
倒数 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists but connects with other mathematical terms and counting-related vocabulary that learners encounter at higher levels. Focus on its mathematical meaning as well as its usage in everyday conversations about events.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, countdowns are significant during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where people often count down to midnight. This makes the term '倒数' particularly relevant during festive occasions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up '倒数' with '正数' when discussing numbers, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我想要正数十' instead of '我想要倒数十' when they mean to count down.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 倒数
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Cultural Notes for 倒数
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, countdowns are significant during celebrations like the Lunar New Year, where people often count down to midnight. This makes the term '倒数' particularly relevant during festive occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 倒数
You can say, '我们从十开始倒数,' meaning 'Let's start counting down from ten.'
'倒数' is used in both math and everyday situations, especially when discussing countdowns or events.
'倒数' can be used in formal writing, especially in mathematical contexts, but be mindful of the audience.
