noun / adverb / adjective HSK 5
disciple · follower · apprentice · on foot · in vain · empty
Meaning
徒 is a versatile character that primarily refers to a follower, disciple, or apprentice who learns from a master. It also means 'on foot' or describes actions done in vain or uselessly. In classical Chinese, it can mean 'merely' or 'only'.
Usage
Most commonly appears in compounds like 徒弟 (apprentice) or 教徒 (religious follower). As an adverb meaning 'in vain,' it's more formal or literary. When meaning 'on foot,' it appears in words like 徒步 (to walk). Rarely used alone in modern spoken Chinese.
Examples
- 01他在少林寺当了三年的徒弟。.He was an apprentice at Shaolin Temple for three years.
- 02徒劳无功的努力让他感到很沮丧。.The futile effort made him feel very frustrated.
Measure words
- 个一个徒弟
- 名三名信徒
Common collocations
- 徒劳futile, in vain
- 信徒believer, adherent
- 门徒disciple, follower
- 徒手bare-handed, unarmed
Antonyms
Origin
Oracle bone script shows a person following a path, representing the concept of following or going on foot. The left component 彳 (chì) indicates walking or movement.