dou6蹈
Jyutpingdou6
Yaledouh
Definition
To step on, tread, or take steps.
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
This character is almost exclusively found in compound words like 舞蹈 or 蹈海 rather than as a standalone verb in modern speech. When expressing the physical act of stepping on something, Cantonese speakers naturally use 踩 instead. It carries a formal or artistic connotation when used in the context of movement or performance.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a verb for stepping on objects, but it is strictly a morpheme in Cantonese. Always use 踩 for the physical action of stepping on something.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
