Ideographic: A hand 寸 pointing the way to someplace 巳Radical:

meaning for dǎo:

  • - to transmit
  • - to lead
  • - to guide
  • - to conduct
  • - to directlead
  • - leading
  • - to lead
  • - leadership
  • - leader
  • - Classifiers: 位 to guide
  • - to give directions
  • - to direct
  • - to coach
  • - guidance
  • - tuition
  • - Classifiers: 个 to lead to
  • - to create
  • - to cause
  • - to bring aboutto guide
  • - to lead (around)
  • - to conduct
  • - to boot
  • - introduction
  • - primerleading
  • - dominant
  • - prevailing
  • - to lead
  • - to direct
  • - to dominate