Structure Analysis: 形声字，从水（氵，水流），同声（tóng，表音）。本义指水流急（如"洞流"），现指孔穴（如"洞穴"）(Phonetic-semantic character: "氵" (water) + "同" (phonetic). Originally meant "rapid current", now means "cavity".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Dòng (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Cave; hole; opening; hollow; cavity; to pierce; to penetrate; to understand thoroughly; to have insight into.
4. Common Words
洞穴 (dòng xué) Cave
漏洞 (lòu dòng) Loophole
洞察 (dòng chá) Insight
山洞 (shān dòng) Mountain cave
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 洞 (dòng) is primarily used as a noun, but can also function as a verb:
As a noun: Refers to holes, caves, or openings. Example: 山洞 (shān dòng) - mountain cave
As a verb: Means to understand thoroughly or to have insight. Example: 洞悉 (dòng xī) - to thoroughly understand
In compound words: Often combined with other characters to form words related to holes or understanding. Example: 洞察 (dòng chá) - insight
In idiomatic expressions: 漏洞百出 (lòu dòng bǎi chū) - full of loopholes
6. Cultural Background
The character 洞 (dòng) has various cultural significance in China:
Ancient Chinese people sometimes lived in caves (洞穴) as shelters, and some early civilizations developed in cave environments.
Many Buddhist and Taoist temples are built in or around caves (山洞), considered sacred places for meditation and religious practices.
The concept of 洞察 (insight) is highly valued in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Confucianism and Taoism, emphasizing the importance of deep understanding.
Some famous natural caves in China, like the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, are important tourist attractions with cultural and historical significance.