带路

• Pinyin: dài lù
• Hanzi breakdown: 带 = belt, to lead; 路 = 足 (foot) + 各 (each), meaning road

Meaning

To lead the way; to guide; to show the path. A verb phrase meaning to go ahead and show someone the way.

Used literally for physically guiding someone to a destination, and figuratively for showing the way in business or other contexts. Forms part of the term 一带一路 (Belt and Road Initiative).

Examples

1. 你熟悉这里，麻烦你带路吧。 You're familiar with this area — would you mind leading the way?
2. 向导在前面带路，我们跟在后面。 The guide led the way up front while we followed behind.
3. 别担心，有他带路肯定不会迷路的。 Don't worry — with him leading the way, we definitely won't get lost.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, guidance, daily life

Tone: helpful

Do Say

• 我给你带路。(I'll show you the way.)
• 请人带路比较保险。(It's safer to have someone guide you.)

Don't Say

• 地图会带路 (带路 requires a person — use 导航 or 指引方向 for GPS or maps)

Origin & History

Compound of 带 (to lead, to bring) + 路 (road, path). Together meaning to lead along the path.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal