倒 (dào)

In Chinese, "倒" is a versatile character that can function as an adverb, verb, or even an adjective. As an adverb, it can mean "actually," "on the contrary," or "but." As a verb, it can mean "to pour," "to fall," or "to invert." As an adjective, it means "upside down" or "inverted."

Basic Usage

Here are some common usages of "倒":

• As an adverb meaning "actually" or "on the contrary": For example: 他倒是很聪明。(tā dào shì hěn cōngmíng.) - He is actually very smart.
• As a verb meaning "to pour" or "to fall": For example: 请把水倒进杯子里。(qǐng bǎ shuǐ dào jìn bēizi lǐ.) - Please pour the water into the cup.
• As an adjective meaning "upside down" or "inverted": For example: 这幅画挂倒了。(zhè fú huà guà dàole.) - This painting is hung upside down.

Examples

Here are some example sentences containing "倒":

• 他工作很忙，倒从不抱怨。(tā gōngzuò hěn máng, dào cóng bù bàoyuàn.) - He is very busy with work, but he never complains.
• 他一不小心就倒了。(tā yī bù xiǎoxīn jiù dàole.) - He accidentally fell down.
• 把茶倒进杯子里。(bǎ chá dào jìn bēizi lǐ.) - Pour the tea into the cup.
• 你把书拿倒了。(nǐ bǎ shū ná dàole.) - You are holding the book upside down.