读

dú: 读 - to Read, to Study, to Attend School

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: 读, du, dú, Chinese word for read, Chinese word for study, how to say read in Chinese, how to say study in Chinese, how to say attend school in Chinese, meaning of 读, 读书, 读 vs 看, Chinese verb to read, learn Chinese reading
  • Summary: Discover the meaning of the essential Chinese verb 读 (dú), one of the first characters you'll learn. This page explains how 读 (dú) means more than just “to read”; it's fundamentally linked to the concepts of “to study” and “to attend school.” Learn the difference between 读 (dú) and 看 (kàn), understand its cultural importance in China, and see practical examples of how to use it correctly in conversation.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): dú
  • Part of Speech: Verb
  • HSK Level: HSK 1
  • Concise Definition: To read (often aloud), to study a subject, or to attend an educational institution.
  • In a Nutshell: 读 (dú) is an active verb. It's not about passively looking at words on a page—that's 看 (kàn). Instead, 读 (dú) implies engaging with the material. Its most basic meaning is to read text aloud, which then extends logically to the broader concepts of studying a subject in depth and the entire experience of formal education, from elementary school to university.

Character Breakdown

  • 读 (dú) is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning one part gives a clue to the meaning and the other to the sound.
  • 言 (yán): The radical on the left is the “speech” radical. It originates from a pictogram of a mouth with a tongue sticking out, representing words, language, and speaking. This gives 读 its core meaning related to vocalizing text.
  • 卖 (mài): The component on the right, meaning “to sell,” primarily serves as the phonetic component here, providing a hint to the pronunciation.
  • Together, 言 (speech) and 卖 (mài phonetic) create 读 (dú), a character whose original meaning was to vocalize words—to read aloud. This foundational meaning expanded over time to encompass the entire process of learning from texts: studying.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, the concept of 读书 (dúshū), literally “reading books,” holds immense weight. It's not just a hobby; it's synonymous with “getting an education” and is seen as the primary path to self-improvement, social mobility, and success.
  • This value is deeply rooted in history, particularly the imperial examination system (科举 kējǔ), where scholars would study for decades for a chance to become a government official. A famous proverb states: 读书改变命运 (dúshū gǎibiàn mìngyùn) — “Studying changes your destiny.”
  • Comparison to Western Culture: In English, “reading” and “studying” are distinct activities. You might “read” a novel for pleasure but “study” for an exam. In Chinese, 读 (dú) bridges this gap. While you can use other words, saying 我在读书 (Wǒ zài dúshū) is the most common way to say “I am studying” or “I am a student.” It implies a serious, purposeful engagement with knowledge, reflecting a cultural reverence for education that is arguably more pronounced than in the West.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 读 (dú) is an extremely common and versatile verb used in daily life.

1. To Read Aloud

  • This is the most literal meaning. It's used when asking someone to vocalize text.
  • Example: “The teacher asked the student to read the text.” (老师让学生读课文。)

2. To Study a Subject or Major

  • This refers to the act of formally studying an academic field.
  • Example: “I study computer science at university.” (我在大学读计算机科学。)

3. To Attend School/University

  • This is perhaps the most common usage in conversation. It describes a person's status as a student and the level of their education.
  • Example: “My son is attending elementary school.” (我儿子在读小学。)

4. To Pronounce a Character

  • When you don't know the pronunciation of a character, you ask how it is “dú.”
  • Example: “How do you pronounce this character?” (这个字怎么读？)

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 我喜欢读书。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuān dúshū.
    • English: I like to read books.
    • Analysis: In this context, 读书 (dúshū) can mean either the hobby of reading or the general act of studying. The specific meaning depends on the conversation's context.
  • Example 2:
    • 请你把这个句子读一遍。
    • Pinyin: Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhège jùzi dú yībiàn.
    • English: Please read this sentence out loud one time.
    • Analysis: This example uses the most literal meaning of 读: to read aloud. The word 遍 (biàn) is a measure word for actions, reinforcing the idea of completing the action once.
  • Example 3:
    • 你在哪个大学读书？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ zài nǎge dàxué dúshū?
    • English: Which university do you attend? (Lit: At which university do you study?)
    • Analysis: A very common and practical question. Here, 读书 (dúshū) clearly means “to attend university” or “to be a student.”
  • Example 4:
    • 他明年打算读研究生。
    • Pinyin: Tā míngnián dǎsuàn dú yánjiūshēng.
    • English: He plans to pursue a master's degree next year. (Lit: He plans to study for a graduate degree next year.)
    • Analysis: 读 is used for all levels of education, including postgraduate studies.
  • Example 5:
    • 这个汉字怎么读？
    • Pinyin: Zhège hànzì zěnme dú?
    • English: How do you pronounce this Chinese character?
    • Analysis: A crucial phrase for any learner. 读 here specifically means “pronounce” or “read out.”
  • Example 6:
    • 我读了三遍才看懂。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ dúle sān biàn cái kàn dǒng.
    • English: I read it three times before I understood it.
    • Analysis: This sentence cleverly uses both 读 and 看. 读 implies the active process of reading and re-reading, while 看懂 (kàn dǒng) means “to understand by seeing/reading.”
  • Example 7:
    • 你读过这本书吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ dúguò zhè běn shū ma?
    • English: Have you read this book?
    • Analysis: The particle 过 (guò) indicates past experience. This question asks if the person has had the experience of reading this particular book. It implies a deeper engagement than just glancing at it.
  • Example 8:
    • 我弟弟还在读高中。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ dìdi hái zài dú gāozhōng.
    • English: My younger brother is still in high school.
    • Analysis: Shows how 读 is used with specific school levels like 高中 (gāozhōng), high school.
  • Example 9:
    • 她为了考试读了一整夜的书。
    • Pinyin: Tā wèile kǎoshì dúle yī zhěng yè de shū.
    • English: She studied all night for the exam.
    • Analysis: Here, 读书 (dúshū) unambiguously means “to study.” The context of the exam makes this clear.
  • Example 10:
    • 我能读懂你的心思。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ néng dú dǒng nǐ de xīnsi.
    • English: I can read your mind.
    • Analysis: A more figurative, modern usage. “Reading” here means understanding someone's inner thoughts, similar to the English idiom.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 读 (dú) and 看 (kàn).
  • 看 (kàn): Means “to look at,” “to see,” or “to watch.” When used for reading, it implies a casual, silent, and often recreational activity. It focuses on the visual intake of information.
    • `我看报纸。 (Wǒ kàn bàozhǐ.)` - I'm reading the newspaper (casually, silently).
    • `我看小说。 (Wǒ kàn xiǎoshuō.)` - I read novels (for fun).
  • 读 (dú): Implies a more active, focused process. It can mean reading aloud, or it can mean studying material for the purpose of learning and comprehension. It is the only choice when talking about attending school.
    • `我每天都读课文。 (Wǒ měitiān dōu dú kèwén.)` - I read the textbook passage aloud every day.
    • `我在清华大学读书。 (Wǒ zài Qīnghuá dàxué dúshū.)` - I am a student at Tsinghua University.
  • Common Mistake: Using 看 (kàn) to talk about formal education.
    • Incorrect: `我在北京看大学。 (Wǒ zài Běijīng kàn dàxué.)`
    • Why it's wrong: This sentence means “I am in Beijing looking at universities” (as in, visiting campuses), not “I am attending university in Beijing.”
    • Correct: `我在北京读大学。 (Wǒ zài Běijīng dú dàxué.)`

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 看 (kàn) - To look, see, watch. Used for casual, silent reading for pleasure. It is the counterpart to 读's active, academic reading.
  • 读书 (dúshū) - A verb-object phrase (“read book”) that functions as a single concept meaning “to study” or “to attend school.”
  • 学习 (xuéxí) - To learn, to study. A broader term than 读. You can 学习 anything (like driving or cooking), but you 读 academic subjects.
  • 阅读 (yuèdú) - A more formal and literary verb for “to read.” It often refers to the act of reading comprehension and is used in written contexts, like on exams.
  • 念 (niàn) - To read aloud, to chant. A close synonym for 读 in its “read aloud” sense, sometimes used interchangeably.
  • 上学 (shàngxué) - Literally “to go to school.” A common, slightly more colloquial synonym for 读书 when talking about attending school, especially for K-12.
  • 发音 (fāyīn) - Pronunciation. This is what you are asking for when you ask how a character is 读.
  • 课本 (kèběn) - Textbook. The primary type of book that one 读s in an academic context.