捣 dǎo to thresh
to thresh; to pound
How to remember 捣: 扌 hand + 岛 island = to thresh. With the heavy pestle in her hand, the grandmother on the little island sings as she starts to thresh the rice.
Component breakdown
捣 = 扌 hand + 岛 island
- 扌 hand
- 岛 island
With the heavy pestle in her hand, the grandmother on the little island sings as she starts to thresh the rice.
How it is used
- To pound/pestle, and to make trouble: 捣蒜 (dǎo suàn) to pound garlic, 捣乱 (dǎoluàn) to make a disturbance, 捣鬼 (dǎoguǐ) to play tricks/sabotage.
- 捣毁 (dǎohuǐ) = to smash and destroy (a den/operation): 捣毁窝点 (dǎohuǐ wōdiǎn) to bust a criminal hideout.
- 捣蛋 (dǎodàn) = to be mischievous - 调皮捣蛋 (tiáopí dǎodàn) naughty.