向导

• Pinyin: xiàng dǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 向 = 宀 (roof) + 口 (mouth), meaning direction; 导 = 道 (way) simplified with 寸 (hand), meaning to guide

Meaning

Guide; tour guide. A person who leads or directs others, especially in unfamiliar places.

Can refer to tourist guides, mountain guides, or anyone showing the way. Also used figuratively for things that guide or direct, like a manual or handbook. The related term 导游 specifically means tour guide, while 向导 is broader.

Examples

1. 爬山的时候最好请一个向导带路。 When climbing mountains, it's best to hire a guide to lead the way.
2. 她在旅游景点做了三年向导。 She worked as a guide at tourist attractions for three years.
3. 这本书可以作为学习中文的向导。 This book can serve as a guide for learning Chinese.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, guidance

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 你们需要向导吗？(Do you need a guide?)
• 向导带我们穿过了森林。(The guide led us through the forest.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个城市向导 (For city tours, 导游 is more natural; 向导 is better for wilderness or exploration contexts)

Origin & History

Compound of 向 (toward, direction) and 导 (to guide), literally meaning one who guides toward a direction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal