Meaning and Usage
The character 岛 (dǎo) means "island" and is used to refer to land masses surrounded by water. It is a common noun in Chinese and appears frequently in geographical names and descriptions.
Common Collocations
- 海南岛 (Hǎinán dǎo): Hainan Island, a well-known island in China.
- 无人岛 (wú rén dǎo): uninhabited island, often used in travel or adventure contexts.
- 岛屿 (dǎoyǔ): islands, plural or collective term.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in place names and natural descriptions. When talking about islands, it can be combined with adjectives or other nouns to specify the type or characteristics of the island. It is a neutral term without special formality or slang connotations.
Common Confusion
Sometimes 岛 is confused with 岛屿 (dǎoyǔ), which means "islands" in plural or collective sense. Use 岛 when referring to a single island and 岛屿 when referring to multiple islands or island groups.