DAO-4

('dao' in the fourth tone)

There are about 21 standard Chinese characters that are spoken 'dao'. The following character occurs in four of them: 刀 = dao(1) = knife. However, 刀 is also a common radical in many other characters that are not spoken 'dao'.

到 = to arrive

This is one of the most versatile words of the Chinese language. It occurs in many set expressions, and can be affixed to many verbs to convey a sense of finality.

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Inscription on Chinese railway tickets:

在3日内至有效 = Zai(4) san(1) ri(4) nei(4)dao(4) you(3)xiao(4) = Valid within three days 

有效 = you(3)xiao(4) = effective, valid

效 = xiao(4) = effect

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到处 = dao(4)chu(4) = everywhere

处 = chu(4) = place (but only in certain combinations)

到国外 = dao(4)guo(2)wai(4) = abroad

But:

外国 = wai(4) guo(2) = foreign countries

我想到国外工作. = Wo(3) xiang(3) dao(4) guo(2) wai(4) gong(1)zuo(4). = I want to work abroad.

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道 = road

知道 = zhi(1)dao(4) = to know

Please note: this does NOT mean 'to know the road' or 'to know the way'. It just means 'to know'.

知 = to know

Almost always, the two-character version above is used.