Definition
道理 (dào lǐ) refers to the underlying logic, principle, or 'sense' behind something — it's about why something is right or reasonable (e.g., 讲道理 'be reasonable'). It differs from 理由 (lǐ yóu), which is a specific reason or justification given for an action or belief. 理 (lǐ) is a broader term for 'reason, truth, principle' and can also be a verb, while 道理 is always a noun and often implies a moral or commonsensical principle.
noun
reasonargument (the logic or principle that supports a claim)sensethe way things should be (as in 讲道理)
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 道理。Nǐ jiǎng de hěn yǒu dào lǐ.What you said makes a lot of sense.
- 道理，。Zhège dào lǐ hěn jiǎndān, nǐ yídìng néng míngbai.This principle is very simple; you'll definitely understand it.
- 道理。Zuò shì bù néng bù jiǎng dào lǐ.One cannot be unreasonable in doing things.
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