Meaning and Usage
The word 道路 (dàolù) primarily means 'road' or 'path' in a physical sense, referring to streets, highways, or any passage for vehicles and pedestrians. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about directions, traffic, or infrastructure.
Besides the literal meaning, 道路 can also be used metaphorically to describe a 'path' or 'course' in life, such as a career path (事业道路). This figurative use is common in formal or written Chinese.
Common Collocations
- 道路交通 (dàolù jiāotōng): road traffic, used when discussing traffic conditions or regulations.
- 道路建设 (dàolù jiànshè): road construction, referring to building or repairing roads.
- 事业道路 (shìyè dàolù): career path, a metaphorical use describing one's professional journey.
Usage Notes
When using 道路, it often appears with verbs like 通向 (lead to), 修建 (build), or堵塞 (be congested). It is more formal than 路 (lù), which also means road but is more colloquial and common in daily speech.
Avoid confusing 道路 with 道 (dào) alone, which can mean 'way' or 'method' in a broader philosophical or abstract sense. 道路 specifically emphasizes the physical or metaphorical path or route.
Summary
Use 道路 when referring to roads in a formal context or when discussing paths metaphorically. It is a versatile word that appears in both everyday and formal language, especially in written Chinese.