道理

• Pinyin: dào lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 道 (dào) — way, path, principle; 理 (lǐ) — logic, reason, principle

Meaning

Reason; principle; truth. A logical basis for something or a moral truth.

Refers to the underlying logic, rationale, or moral principle behind something. Commonly used in phrases like 有道理 (makes sense), 讲道理 (be reasonable), and 没道理 (unreasonable). An important concept in everyday reasoning and argumentation.

Examples

1. 你说的很有道理。 What you said makes a lot of sense.
2. 每个人都应该讲道理。 Everyone should be reasonable.
3. 他不听道理，谁说都没用。 He won't listen to reason — nothing anyone says helps.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, argument, education

Tone: rational, persuasive

Do Say

• 你说的有道理。(What you said makes sense.)
• 做人要讲道理。(One should be reasonable.)

Don't Say

• 不要用道理来表示具体的原因 — 道理 refers to general principles or logic, not specific reasons for a particular event; for that, use 原因 instead.

Origin & History

Compound of 道 (way, path) and 理 (logic, principle). Combines the concept of 'the way things should be' with 'reason.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal