Definition
度 (dù) as a noun means 'degree, level, extent' — it is broader than 程度 (chéngdù), which specifies a measurable level or degree. As a classifier for events ('time, occasion'), it contrasts with 场合 (chǎnghé), which emphasizes the social setting rather than the count. The verb sense 'to spend time' has no listed near-synonym.
verb
to spend (time)to pass (time)
noun
degreeextentlimitdegree (temperature, angle, etc.)
classifier
timeoccasion (for events)
Easily confused
- 席xílook-alikewoven mat (e.g., bamboo or straw mat)
- 读dúsound-aliketo read
- 渡dùlook-aliketo cross (a river, sea, etc.)
- 赌dǔsound-aliketo gamble, to bet
- 毒dúsound-alike(noun) poison; also refers to narcotics (毒品)
- 堵dǔsound-alike(verb) to block up, to jam, to stop up
- 独dúsound-alikealone; by oneself
Examples
- 。Tā dù guò le zuì kùnnán de yì nián.He got through the most difficult year.
- 度。Tā céngjīng liǎng dù cānjiā guójì bǐsài.He has participated in international competitions twice.
- 度，。Zuò shìqing yào yǒu dù, bù néng tài guòfèn.When doing things, you need to have a sense of measure and not go too far.
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