Structure Analysis: 会意字，从二夕（重复的夜晚）。本义指数量大（如"许多"），现指程度高（如"多么"）(Ideogrammic compound: Two "夕" (evenings). Originally meant "large quantity", now means "high degree".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Duō (First tone)
3. Meaning
Many; much; numerous; abundant; multiple; more than; over; to exceed; how much/many; a lot of; plenty of; several; various.
4. Common Words
多少 (duō shǎo) How much/many
很多 (hěn duō) Very many
多数 (duō shù) Majority
多样化 (duō yàng huà) Diversification
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 多 (duō) has versatile grammatical functions:
As an adjective: Describes quantity or degree. Example: 很多人 (hěn duō rén) - many people
As an adverb: Indicates excess or emphasis. Example: 多吃水果 (duō chī shuǐ guǒ) - eat more fruits
With "少": Forms question about quantity. Example: 多少个？(duō shǎo gè?) - how many?
In comparative sentences: Used with "比". Example: 他比我多 (tā bǐ wǒ duō) - he has more than me
In fixed expressions: 多多益善 (duō duō yì shàn) - the more the better
In quantity expressions: 三十多岁 (sān shí duō suì) - in one's thirties
6. Cultural Background
The character 多 (duō) carries significant cultural meanings in Chinese society:
Chinese culture traditionally values abundance and prosperity, reflected in phrases like 多福多寿 (duō fú duō shòu) - wish for many blessings and longevity.
Many Chinese idioms emphasize the positive connotations of "more": 多才多艺 (duō cái duō yì) - versatile, 多子多孙 (duō zǐ duō sūn) - many children and grandchildren.
In Chinese New Year traditions, decorations often feature characters like 福 (fortune) repeated many times to symbolize multiplying luck.
The concept of 多多益善 (the more the better) influences Chinese dietary culture, where sharing multiple dishes is common practice.
In traditional Chinese family values, having many children was considered a blessing and a form of security for old age.
Modern China balances this with the concept of 高质量发展 (gāo zhì liàng fā zhǎn) - high-quality development, shifting focus from quantity to quality.