倒数

dào shǔ

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Common

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This word has multiple dictionary entries. Choose the reading or usage you want to review.

倒数

dào shǔ Verb to count backwards (from 10 down to 0); to count down

倒数

dào shù inverse number; reciprocal (math.)

Definitions

1. to count backwards (from 10 down to 0)
2. to count down
3. from the bottom (lines on a page)
4. from the back (rows of seats)

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 正数 zhèng shù 正数 zhèng shù positive number to count forwards: positive number

Related words

2 items

• 计时 jì shí 计时 jì shí to measure time related to timing or counting: to measure time
• 顺序 shùn xù 顺序 shùn xù sequence related to ordering or sequence: sequence

Usage notes

Collocations

倒数 is often used with 计时 (dào jì shí) to mean 'countdown' (e.g., 倒计时).

Common mistakes

Do not confuse 倒数 (dào shǔ, count down) with 倒数 (dào shù, reciprocal in math); they have different tones and meanings.

Example Sentences

1 shown

我们开始 倒数 ，十、九、八……

Let's start counting down: ten, nine, eight...

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 倒数

• 倒 倒 dǎo: to fall; to collapse; to lie horizontally
• 倒 倒 dào: to invert; to place upside down or frontside back
• 数 数 shǔ: to count
• 数 数 shù: number
• 数 数 shuò: frequently