1. (bound form) way; reason; principle
2. (bound form) a skill; an art; a specialization
3. (Daoism) the Way; the Dao
4. to say (introducing a direct quotation, as in a novel)
5. (bound form) to express; to extend (polite words)
6. classifier for long thin things (rivers, cracks, shadows etc), barriers (walls, doors etc), questions (in an exam etc), commands, courses in a meal, steps in a process
7. (old) circuit (administrative division)

classifiers: 條, 股

1. (obsolete on its own in Standard Chinese) alternative form of 導 /导 (dǎo, “to direct; to guide; to lead; to conduct”)
2. alternative form of 導 /导 (dǎo, “to direct; to guide; to lead; to conduct”)

1. Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
2. surname Ming
3. Ming (c. 2000 BC), fourth of the legendary Flame Emperors, 炎帝 Yándì descended from Shennong 神農 Shénnóng Farmer God

1. bright
2. opposite: dark 暗 àn
3. (of meaning) clear
4. to understand
5. next
6. public or open
7. wise
8. generic term for a sacrifice to the gods