Tao
/taʊ/noun
A fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and religion, often translated as 'the Way'.
Did you know?In Taoism, the concept of 'Tao' represents not just a path, but the underlying principle of the universe that flows through all things.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Sino-Tibetan
PST
*taʊ
“to walk, to go, to guide”
Old Chinese
OC
道 (dào)
“the way, the path, method, or principle of things”
Middle Chinese
MC
道 (dàu)
“the way, the ultimate principle guiding existence”
Modern Mandarin
Mandarin
道 (dào)
“the way or path, often used in philosophical contexts”