一道

• Pinyin: yī dào
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = one; 道 = 辶 (walk) + 首 (head), meaning way/path

Meaning

Together; along with; a (measure word for dishes, problems). Doing something jointly or counting items.

As adverb: together, jointly (我们一道去 let's go together). As measure word: for courses/dishes (一道菜 a dish), barriers (一道门 a gate), and problems (一道题 a problem). More formal than 一起 for 'together.'

Examples

1. 这件事咱们一道想办法解决。 Let's figure out a solution to this together.
2. 服务员端上来一道精致的甜点。 The waiter brought out an exquisite dessert.
3. 这道数学题难住了很多学生。 This math problem stumped many students.

Usage Guide

Context: cooperation, food, problems

Tone: collaborative

Do Say

• 我们一道去吧。(Let's go together.)
• 再来一道菜。(Bring another dish.)

Don't Say

• 一道的人 — 应说'一起的人'或'同行的人'

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (one) + 道 (way, path). As 'together,' suggests sharing the same path; as measure word, counts items along a path or sequence.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal