Definition
懂 (dǒng) is the basic word for 'to understand' — understanding a fact, a language, or what someone says. Compared to 明白 (míng bai), which can mean 'to realize' or 'to be clear about', 懂 is simpler and more direct, focusing on comprehension of information rather than a state of clarity.
verb
to understandto comprehend
Easily confused
- 动dòngsound-aliketo move; to change position
- 洞dòngsound-alikecave
- 东dōngsound-alikeeast
- 栋dòngsound-alike(classifier) for houses, buildings, and other standalone structures
- 冻dòngsound-aliketo freeze (of water, food, etc.)
Examples
- 懂？Nǐ dǒng le ma?Do you understand?
- 懂。Zhège zì wǒ bù dǒng.I don't understand this character.
- 懂懂。Tā wǒ shuō de huà dōu dǒng.He understands everything I say.
Grammar
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